Chairman Chris Caisley is calling on the supporters to take Old Trafford by storm and help drive the Bradford Bulls to Grand Final success.

He believes the backing of 30,000 fans is not an unrealistic target, and early indications suggest that his plea is being answered.

Bulls sold £100,000 worth of tickets to season ticket holders at Odsal yesterday and Super League Europe reported selling over 1,000 to the club's fans within 24 hours of them reaching the Old Trafford showpiece on October 9.

There were long queues at Odsal when the tickets went on general sale today and the club had to draft in extra staff to cope with the demand. Tickets are priced at £10, £!5, £20 and £25. There are no concessions.

Bulls media manager Stuart Duffy said: "The response of the supporters has been fantastic. We had already filled 22 coaches yesterday, and another six had been filled by midday today."

Caisley wants the Grand Final to be a day to remember. He said: "Bradford City took 30,000 fans to Wembley a few years ago for the Division Two play-off final, and we took 20,000 to Wembley for the Challenge Cup finals in 1996 and 1997.

"There are no Premiership matches that weekend and there are significant numbers who follow the fortunes of both clubs. It would be fantastic for the profile of the city if we could really take over Old Trafford.

"It would also ram home the message to Bradford Council that it has a highly successful and popular rugby league team who deserve a stadium to match.

"Initially we will have access to 20,000 tickets, but if the demand is there I am sure more will become available."

Last season's inaugural Grand Final between Leeds and Wigan attracted 43,500 to Old Trafford.

Caisley was unsuccessful when asking officials to postpone amateur games on October 9. Last year BARLA left Grand Final weekend clear to help boost the gate, but this year a full programme is planned with 2.30pm kick-offs.

The Pennine League discussed the issue last night and fixture secretary Andrew Bennett said: "With no direction from BARLA the games will go ahead, but we will be willing for clubs to have early kick-offs if they want."

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