THE Bulls are funding their Championship campaign by the book.

John Kear today stressed the recruitment programme ahead of the 2019 return to the second tier has all remained within budget.

Rhys Evans recently became the final piece of the puzzle that has also included the likes of Jake Webster, Jy Hitchcox, Connor Farrell and Matty Wildie.

But Kear has shot down any suggestions that chairman Andrew Chalmers has allowed the club to spend money they haven’t got.

The Bulls coach said: “I must stress that it’s all been done within the budget. Andrew won’t exceed that budget.

“Yes, he has backed us and the coaching staff are very grateful. But we also like to think we’ve been prudent and have recruited people within the sustainable budget.”

Bumper crowds during their promotion season in League One have increased the Bulls’ spending power – and Kear is confident that the approaching campaign could see attendances break 10,000 at Odsal.

He added: “The budget is good, simply because of the following we’ve got.

“There were 6,000 folk at the Workington game and that’s unheard of in League One.

“I’m hoping we can get some gates this year that are five figures.

“We saw people return last year and the gates were phenomenal for the competition we were in.

“I’m certain we can get five figures this year because we have got a good squad, we will play some good rugby and we will bring some success.

“I know Andrew’s a New Zealander as is Lowey (Graham Lowe) but I’m a Yorkshireman and I can assure you we’re not spending brass we haven’t got.”