New Bulls coach Brian Noble has welcomed the move to Valley Parade during the Odsal re-development.

The former Great Britain skipper was a member of the Bradford Northern side which played a handful of games at the home of their soccer neighbours during the late 80s and early 90s.

Noble, who is thrilled with news that the 26,000 all-seater stadium plan for Odsal is edging ever closer to reality, says the short-term move across the city will have enormous benefits.

"This is a great new era for the club," he said.

"At last we are getting the facilities the fans deserve and, while some supporters may be a bit tentative about leaving Odsal, I think they will very quickly warm to Valley Parade.

"It will be a taster of what we will have at Odsal when we return.

"The players too are very excited about the future and the prospect of playing in such a well equipped stadium.

"I was in the Northern side which faced Wigan there in 1988 following the re-development after the fire and it was a great place to play.

"The fans are right on top of the pitch and it makes for a great atmosphere. I know Odsal is a place the opposition don't like coming to but the extra noise at Valley Parade can be a big advantage for us next season."

Bulls skipper Robbie Paul, who is currently with the New Zealand World Cup squad, said: "I can't wait to play down there.

"The fact that Valley Parade is covered will also help to raise the noise level. I am sure that we will quickly make it a fortress, just like Odsal."

Lifelong Northern and Bulls supporter Charlie Ebbage said: "I think it's great news because it means we are finally going to get the stadium we deserve at Odsal.

"It's an awkward journey to Valley Parade by public transport from south of the city where a lot of the Bulls fans live but I am sure they will stay with the club.

"It might take getting used to for some of the older fans but the facilities at Odsal at the moment are poor and if the weather is bad it must affect the size of the crowd.

"At Valley Parade everyone will be under cover by the time we play there and I am looking forward to it in the knowledge that in a couple of years we will be going back to something similar at Odsal."

Vice chairman of the Bradford City Supporters Club Mark Neale said: "No one here has a problem with it. The only down side is the wear on the pitch but I think modern techniques can cope with that.

"It is important to keep the Bulls in the city during the Odsal redevelopment."