MARK Sawyer today insisted that there will never be a Dewsbury Bulls.

The Dewsbury chairman is involved as a shareholder at the head of the cash-strapped club, who will play next season away from Bradford at the Tetley’s Stadium.

But Sawyer shot down any suggestions that this is a forerunner to combining them and stressed that the Bulls will maintain an off-field presence at Odsal.

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Sawyer said: “There are no plans whatsoever of merging the two clubs.

“There’s quite a gap in distance, it’s not the case that we’re next door.

“It was just the best option. People must understand the Bulls need to play out of Odsal for at least 12 months while we can sort things out.

“But we’re in the process of moving back into the shop and offices. We need to put a stamp that we’re a Bradford team.

“We’ve still got that presence and we’re on with refurbing the offices.

“I understand where the negativity’s coming from.

“My involvement was in trying to find somebody to take on the shares with the purpose of the club not going into admin or being liquidated.

“What became apparent, bit by bit, was that there were less and less people involved and I was a reluctant investor.”

There is no conflict of interest under RFL rules because Sawyer’s owns less than a quarter of the Bulls’ shares.

He added: “I’m the Dewsbury chairman but I feel I can offer something for Bradford. It is sincerely a case of me stepping in and helping the club get back on its feet.

“It’s an exciting project and I just want to add my value and take a bit of pride if I do that.

“That’s my sole interest. I’m the chairman of Dewsbury Rams and proud of it.

“I won’t be standing down from that role.

“I’ll ensure there’s no cross-contamination with myself between the two clubs. Neither will suffer.

“I hope both will gain. We’ve got some resources which Bradford Bulls don’t have and vice versa.

“We might be able to share that expertise and both clubs move forward.”

The Bulls are keen to get the office staff back in their Odsal base – and Sawyer has been encouraged by the willingness of firms and volunteers to lend a hand.

“Since I’ve spoken about it, a number of local businesses have got in touch to offer their services,” he added.

“Hopefully by next week we’ll be on that job and we’ll have a facility there.

“The state of the buildings is embarrassing and I’m unwilling to allow any of the staff off the pitch to work in them. They deserve a bit more.

“Previous regimes have just come in with a fireworks display about everything exciting.

“The Bradford faithful have been through a lot and know in their hearts that the club aren’t firing in a lot of areas, including sponsorship – not just getting it but also looking after the sponsors.

“Many are also suppliers and we’ve got to make sure they get paid on time. I’d ask for their patience while we can turn things round over the next few weeks.

“I can definitely promise that we’re not just putting a lick of paint on the business. It’s not reaching its potential in a lot of ways and I feel I can improve that in my role.”