“IT’S a big day for us as a team, a coaching staff and a club – but it’s a massive, massive day for the fans.”

John Kear is relishing a very special occasion when the Bulls walk out at Odsal again tomorrow.

The return to their spiritual home will mark the end of a 20-month nomadic existence based in Dewsbury – and the veteran coach cannot wait to feel the excitement.

Kear knows how much it is going to mean to the Bulls faithful to have their team back in the city once again.

“It’s going to be very special,” he said. “That’s credit to the owners and board of directors.

“People have worked really hard behind the scenes to get us back to Odsal and we’ll certainly feel the benefit with what’s going to be a very good, if socially-distanced, crowd.

“We’ve got to look at the big picture and that was always a return to Bradford. That’s been achieved.

“We now want to achieve Super League status in the near future. That’s the even bigger picture.”

The Bulls head into the clash with York in superb form after making it five wins on the bounce with their impressive victory at London – the first game where supporters were allowed back.

Kear praised the travelling army for providing an extra boost for the team and expects emotional backing from the sell-out 4,000 crowd that has been permitted at Odsal.

He added: “We saw last week what a difference fans make to the whole spectacle. It was just a better afternoon all round and everything felt more real.

“All credit to the RFL for getting games on in this pandemic and to the players for playing in them. But you need the fans there – they are the heart and soul.

“Yes, there is a massive local flavour in our team as well. I daren’t leave any of the Bradford lads out of this one!

“It means a lot to them because a lot were fans as kids and have come through the academy system.”

The Bulls have been given special dispensation from the RFL to play on the narrowed pitch – which is currently below regulations because of the stock-car racing.

“I don’t think anybody will get much room to run,” admitted Kear.

“If I was a fan, I would go to the game expecting a highly-competitive, very physical encounter. But don’t be looking at expecting ‘pretty, pretty’ and flamboyant, expansive stuff.

“It just isn’t the environment for it. I think Steve Crossley will relish it.

“There’s been a healthy rivalry that has been built up between us and York.

“We respect them and I’d like to think they feel the same but obviously we want to knock them off their perch.

“They are always tight games. We know full well it’s going to be an 80-minute high-stress level for the coaches.”

York boast one of the meanest defences in the Championship, averaging just 13 points against per game, and head coach James Ford believes the compact measurements will help to keep the Bulls out.

He said: “The RFL have deemed it appropriate to support Bradford and play on this field so we’ll roll our sleeves and look forward to the challenge.

"Bradford are a great side. Danny Brough and his kicking game is a huge factor for them.

“They’re playing on a field that’s 51 metres wide and below the minimum regulations. That is 17 metres narrower than ours.

“We’re really looking forward to defending on it, that’s for sure.”