MARK Dunning has been appointed reserves head coach at Bulls for the 2020 campaign.

He succeeds Garreth Carvell, who has left the club, and will also continue in his role as assistant first team coach under John Kear.

Dunning has spent the last three years as under-16s head coach and has been assistant to under-18s chief Leigh Beattie.

A former player in the Bradford ranks, Dunning has overseen another successful campaign in charge of the scholarship outfit, with 16 players making the step up to the academy in 2020.

Kear insists Dunning’s promotion is just reward and is certain he will prove a great appointment, providing the link between the academy and the first team.

“I have been blown away by how good Mark is technically and by his attitude and work ethic, and consequently he will be heading up the reserves and assisting myself with the first team,” said Kear.

“When you are lean, you are mean and everything you do has a purpose and I would like to congratulate Mark on his elevation. It is just reward for his efforts.

“I am certain he will be a great appointment and there will be opportunities for the younger players in the reserves next year. Mark’s task is to ensure they get up to speed so it is a seamless transition.”

On the day the players returned for pre-season training, Dunning said: “I am delighted to get the opportunity to progress. It's something I am looking forward to. It's great to be back around the place and ready to push on in 2020.

“Luckily John has seen something he likes in me and he has given me this opportunity and I am very grateful for that.

“A big part of my job is getting some of the lads who have come through our system ready for the first team but they have to earn it and have a massive pre-season ahead of them.”