TO say it’s been a busy month at the Bradford Bulls is quite an understatement, as we draw to a conclusion our decision to move to Tetley Stadium, Dewsbury, for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

The written request to relocate to Dewsbury has indeed been lodged by the club, with the RFL. The sport's governing body released the following statement after the Bulls announcement was made on Thursday night: "Bradford's request to use the Tetley's Stadium in Dewsbury as a home ground remains subject to the approval of the RFL board, who are charged with making a decision in the best interests of the sport.

“We have not received an application, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment until we do."

The RFL has been aware for some time of the alternatives under consideration, by the Bradford Bulls, and we have, of course, sought significant advice and input from the chief executive Ralph Rimmer.

I do understand how many people feel about the decision, but once a deal was not achieved with the Bradford Council and the RFL to remain at Odsal Stadium, our focus was entirely about which alternatives were viable for the club.

Looking at many of the comments, it’s important to emphasise some key points. Firstly, any consideration of Valley Parade was not possible because the current pitch was not capable of playing rugby league and football together, without significant resources being spent.

The cost was estimated to be between £800,000 and £1.2million and it was not possible to play there until at least 2020. The pitch remediation to one side, the total cost of usage would have been financially prohibitive.

Our second potential option of Horsfall Stadium was carefully considered but eliminated on the basis that the ground couldn’t safely and effectively accommodate our expected match attendances.

It was simply too small, the ground in any case requires significant funds spent on it which made the potential to temporarily expand uneconomic.

The ensuing safety and traffic issues, compounded with the complete lack of infrastructure (including toilet facilities) meant Horsfall Stadium was also not a viable option.

The result of our extensive due diligence was that both Valley Parade and Horsfall Stadium were simply not viable alternatives.

Fortunately the management team had long considered Tetley Stadium, Dewsbury as a serious alternative, and had been conducting due diligence and negotiations with chairman Mark Sawyer for nearly two months.

The reality is that these decisions had been contemplated for a considerable period of time, they weren’t rushed, and the management team took a long objective look at each alternative to establish viability.

I firmly believe this move is in the best long-term interests of the club. It’s not a permanent move, it’s a temporary move, while we work through the process of identifying potential alternative stadium development sites in Bradford. This process requires persistence and patience.

Coincidentally this weekend the Bradford Bulls face the consistent Dewsbury Rams, in what is a must-win game for JK (John Kear) and the team, who must also win against Sheffield at home and Rochdale away.

The Championship table is an absolute scramble as the Bradford Bulls seek to add six points to our current points tally of 27 to reach a maximum 33 points on the table. No easy feat, as all teams will be fighting to improve their position. Sheffield sit one point above the Bradford Bulls at present making our final home game at Odsal against the Eagles, a key clash for 2019.

All these matches represent desperate clashes as any losses will mean the end of any play-off chances, with three rounds to go.

Interestingly our foes, York City Knights, already sit on 33 points, and have three tough clashes ahead of them, against Featherstone Rovers, followed by the Leigh Centurions and then against the ever-durable Halifax.

York certainly have a tough run to make the play-offs but under James Ford they do seem to have a habit of pulling a rabbit out of the proverbial hat, in tough, tight games.

The last three rounds are critical for York, Leigh, Toulouse, Featherstone, Sheffield and Bradford. We believe we can win our last three games, starting with Dewsbury tomorrow.

Casting an eye over the Super League relegation battle, the tension and strain appears to be reaching breaking point.

With only four rounds to go, only two points separate Huddersfield, Hull KR, Wakefield and the London Broncos.

A remarkably close call, which will have everybody on the edge of their seats.

I don’t wish relegation on anybody, but one of these four clubs is set for a date with destiny.

I certainly wonder how last year's play-off format incorporating the popular middle eights would have unfolded if still in place.

The interesting point here is that, relegation under the old format might occur, if you lost the Million Pound Game.

In other words it was possible to finish 12th in the regular season, and avoid relegation.

Under the new format supported by the Super League clubs, one of their number must walk the plank and be guaranteed certain relegation, the reward for finishing 12th after 29 rounds.

Interestingly, of course, the Huddersfield, Hull KR and Wakefield owners all enthusiastically supported the introduction of the new Super League competition relegation system.

It will be interesting to see if they think it’s such a rewarding format after round 29 of the Super League.

Back to business tomorrow, get along to check out our new ground for 2020 and 2021, with the Bradford Bulls taking on the Dewsbury Rams, at the Tetley’s Stadium, Dewsbury.

Check out our away game guide, and make sure you have a decent look around the excellent facilities on display. We need our Bradford Bulls army to help the team conquer the Rams threat.

Remember season tickets with our early bird discount will also be on sale from today for 2020, so check out the various seating and terracing options, and the hospitality suites.

Be a part of the action as we fight to earn our play-off spot. Bring the noise and enjoy a proper rugby league experience close to all the on field action. Kick-off is Sunday, 3pm, Tetley’s Stadium, Dewsbury.

Tickets available in the club shop or online at bradfordbulls.co.uk/tickets #COYB #BullsNation