JOHN Kear today revealed the selling power of the Bulls' season-ticket numbers as he closes in on his second Odsal signing.

The new coach is poised to bring in a winger – and could have another by the opening pre-season friendly against Halifax on Boxing Day.

Kear, who last week signed young centre or second row Callum Bustin on a season-long loan from Castleford, admits he was "blown away" by the size of the audience at the fans' event on Sunday.

He believes the size of the fanbase is a significant help with persuading recruits to commit to the third tier.

Kear said: "As soon as you mention 2,000 season tickets for a League One club, as I did yesterday with someone we're looking to recruit, there was a gasp at the other end of the phone. Let's say, it doesn't hamper you.

"Sunday absolutely blew me away. For so many people to come up to pick up their season tickets, look at the home kit and listen to the question and answers was a ten out of ten job.

"I think there is a buzz and it's all positive at the minute. Everybody is very welcoming and enthusiastic and there is a 'can do' attitude.

"For that turn-out and to sell as many season tickets as we have just shows the potential at the club. There is also a sense of realism with where we are.

"It's easy when things aren't going well to be negative and moan and groan. But it's like we've drawn a line under it and realised we are in League One.

"Step one of the rebuilding of the club is to bring stability and attempt to get back up as soon as possible."

Bustin's arrival takes the present squad up to 24 but the Bulls are currently light out wide – an area that Kear intends to rectify as quickly as possible.

He said: "There are plans to bring more in. Anybody who's looked at the squad can see we need wingers.

"You can push people to full back who are wings but we need more cover and competition for the wings.

"My focus during the next week will be trying to get one, if not two wingers to the club. Then we can settle down and have a really good look at what we've got."

Kear has confirmed that centre Ashley Gibson, who was with him at Wakefield, will feature in the Odsal opener next Tuesday – the first of five warm-up outings facing the Bulls before they kick off the League One campaign at York on February 18.

The 31-year-old has not played since July, when he tore a bicep against Hull KR just five minutes into his second appearance for the club.

Kear said: "Ash Gibson should play against Halifax, which is a big positive. Joe Keyes is also coming along well but we're looking at him for one of the trial games in January.

"I've got a lot to find out about the players. You do that with interacting both in team meetings, on the training ground, by how they conduct their lifestyle, their attendance and punctuality. But the main way you find out about players is playing.

"Obviously five games will give everyone a shot. They'll all be able to put their hand up and show they are desperate for a red, amber and black jumper against York City Knights."