BRADFORD Bulls are mourning the loss of legendary coach Peter Fox, who has died at the age of 85.

The former Bradford Northern great, who was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2014, was coach at Odsal for 13 years in two separate spells between 1977-1985 and 1991-1995.

Fox also had spells in charge at Featherstone, Wakefield, Bramley, Leeds, Yorkshire, England and Great Britain in a decorated career.

But it was with Northern where he enjoyed most success, moulding a winning team as Bradford clinched five pieces of silverware in the space of four seasons.

Read more: Peter Fox inducted into Hall of Fame

Fox, the oldest of three brothers from the former mining village of Sharlston, near Wakefield, who all made a big impact in rugby league, will be remembered as one of the game's great characters who also had a fine playing career.

He played professionally for well over a decade, for Featherstone, Hull KR, Hunslet and in two lengthy stints with Batley.

But it was as a coach that he will be best remembered. In addition to his success with Northern, he guided Featherstone to Challenge Cup glory - ironically against Bradford at Wembley in 1973.

He also took great pride in the success he enjoyed as coach of Yorkshire, with a 100 per cent record against Lancashire in the Rodstock War of the Roses series from 1985-91.

Ralph Rimmer, chief executive of the Rugby Football League, said: "Peter will be remembered as a successful and distinctive coach, and also as a unique personality who enriched rugby league for decades.

"We send our deepest sympathy to Neil and the rest of the family."

Middle brother Don Fox, who famously missed a kick from in front of the posts to win the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 1968, died in 2008, while youngest brother Neil, who is rugby league's record points scorer of all time, remains a regular attender at Wakefield matches.

Former Bulls skipper Leon Pryce was among those to pay tribute on social media. He tweeted: "RIP Peter Fox." 

A statement on Bulls official Twitter account read: "The club is saddened to learn of the passing of Rugby League legend and former Bradford Northern coach, Peter Fox. Peter coached at Odsal Stadium for 13 years in two spells between 1977-1985 and 1991-1995. Our thoughts are with Peter's family at this difficult time."