AS we reach the Christmas festivities, we can look forward to on the field activities with the Boxing Day clash at Castleford less than a week away.

John Kear and his coaching and conditioning staff have been working hard through the off season and I am sure will give a strong account of themselves.

We are not kidding ourselves that the squad is incapable of further strengthening and this will occur in January as we head towards the start of the league campaign against London Broncos on February 2.

It is also an appropriate time of the year to reflect on the 12 months that have passed and look forward to 2020.

No one can argue that it has been anything other than eventful with some seismic decisions taken by the club in order to safeguard its future. I don’t propose to regurgitate many of the arguments previously made, safe to say that the new owners of the club are 100 per cent committed to restoring the Bulls to an appropriate position in the rugby league family and within the city limits.

Over the past two months we have been humbled by the goodwill freely offered by supporters and commercial partners alike and I hope that we have kept our promises in return.

There is simply nothing more important for the club than to keep its promises and rebuild trust and esteem. All of that will take time for which there is no substitute or shortcut, but the reopening of the shop at Odsal is a pivotal and symbolic moment for all concerned.

Given the excellent demand and interest shown in the shop, we have extended the opening hours today (Saturday) for Christmas shopping, 10am until 3pm. Please feel free to come in and peruse our stock and perhaps place an order for the popular 2020 kit.

We are also very pleased that season ticket numbers have held up far better than some cynics were suggesting. However, we take nothing for granted and make a commitment freely that we will always strive to deliver supporters’ expectations as far as we can.

Season tickets are available for collection from the Bradford Bulls shop from today (Saturday).

In terms of communication, the Ask the Bulls initiative is still being strongly used and we invite all supporters to continue to avail themselves of this facility.

The club will answer as fully and comprehensively as we reasonably can within the bounds of appropriateness and commercial sensitivities.

The club would also reassure supporters that discussions continue with both the City of Bradford Metropolitan Council and the Rugby Football League about the club’s destiny and returning to Bradford.

To this end, we continue to invite commercial partners to join the BBBB campaign. The only way the club will ever restore its former glories will be if it positively re-engages with the Bradford business community and supporters, which is the club’s whole intention.

It is interesting to note that the Bradford Bulls' recent history and the future of Odsal Stadium were significant talking points at the Rugby Football League Council meeting last Tuesday.

Apart from two or three comments, among a total council membership of 40, all other clubs were content to put the past firmly in the past and to move forward.

It has been said before, but that is because it is fundamentally accurate, that rugby league needs a strong Bradford Bulls, as indeed does the city of Bradford.

Most reasonable and objective people can see this, and it was very pleasing to hear that much of the sport chose not to engage in some of the unsubstantiated and plain silly rhetoric circulated by some.

Let’s hope, for the club’s sake, that this is finally an end to all this stuff and nonsense so the Bulls can concentrate fully on re-establishing itself positively and responsibly.

In addition to Castleford, we have agreed to participate in the Jamie Jones-Buchanan Testimonial against Leeds at Headingley on Sunday, January 12.

It was a privilege for the club to be asked to provide the opposite for this illustrious event. Rivalry between the Bulls and the Rhinos is of course legendary and who can forget the scenes last May when we pipped our nearest rivals in the Challenge Cup live on BBC TV.

It was a wonderful and vibrant occasion which reminded any doubting Thomas’ that the Bulls are still a big club in heart and soul. It needs to be said however that that rivalry is healthy, respectful and mutual.

Leeds were especially helpful in the release of players following the club’s financial difficulties some years ago, and at board level they remain close and supportive friends of the Bulls.

Similarly, Jamie Jones-Buchanan is a rugby league player in the modern era that transcends mere on-field performances, as anyone who has heard him speak and present in person on TV will attest. Believe me, much more will be heard of Jamie Jones-Buchanan over the decades as he builds a new career away from on field endeavour and we wish him well.

Speaking of our relationship with Leeds, everyone at Bradford Bulls would wish to send their heartfelt best wishes to Rob Burrow and his family following the sad announcement this that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Rob’s career personified battling against the odds in a sport of giants and he was a champion in every respect with a stellar career to show for his talent, commitment and bravery. This latest news is a devastation for all concerned and once again our thoughts are with him and his colleagues at the club.

In closing, can I wish all supporters and their families a peaceful, restful and trouble-free Christmas. We will never take for granted your support of the club and goodwill towards it and we look forward to seeing you at the games over the next few weeks. Come on you Bulls!