JOHN Kear admits he needs to put his feet up after a “full on” year at the Bulls helm.

The squad are due to return for the start of pre-season training six weeks today.

Kear is still waiting for the RFL to take the brakes off their recruitment plans by lifting the special measures that remain in place.

The Bulls are hopeful that will happen by the end of the month, although there has been no official indication as the RFL continue to study their financial projections.

For now, Kear is preparing for a personal break to refresh the batteries.

He said: “I’m looking forward to getting away from rugby in the next couple of weeks.

“It’s been very full-on. It’s been a tough old year but it’s been a good one as well and we just need to progress.”

The November 4 resumption will kick off a much lighter build-up programme than before the start of last season.

The Bulls will limit their friendlies this time to three. Two Super League sides have been lined up and they are also expected to face new landlords Dewsbury.

Kear added: “We’re hoping for three pre-season games so we’ll be able to concentrate a lot more on the start of the season.”