Leeds interim coach Richard Agar admitted his side did not deserve to progress in the Challenge Cup after narrowly losing at rivals Bulls.

Had Liam Sutcliffe's conversion attempt from the touchline been successful, it would have levelled the scores at 24-24 but it rebounded off a post and Bradford survived.

Agar, who was Kear's right hand man when Hull beat Leeds in Cardiff in 2005, admitted his side got their just deserts.

"We probably got what we deserved," Agar said. "If we'd got a draw at the end it would probably have been a bit unjust.

"There was a lack of discipline to start with, a terrible lack of discipline in terms of penalties, looking after the ball and working within the systems put in place.

"We looked legless, we couldn't win anywhere near enough tackles. It's been symptomatic of the season so far and we took it to a whole new level.

"There was no lack of respect and we knew where Bradford could be strong but it's no good just talking about it. You have to go out and show the desire to want to do it. From a moral standpoint that's as bad as it gets."

Meawhile, Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington released a statement less than 24 hours after the Odsal defeat in which he gave his backing to director of rugby Kevin Sinfield.

The club legend's return to Headingley since last July has not run smoothly, with Leeds currently struggling at the wrong end of the Super League table and without a permanent coach following the sacking of David Furner.

The statement read: "Yesterday’s result at Odsal was a huge disappointment in what has been a very poor season so far for the team and I fully appreciate the frustration felt by our fans which is shared by all our Directors, Management and staff.

"We never envisaged being where we are at the outset and it is fair to say, we have under-performed in so many ways, not least team performances and results.

"We have been here before and must firstly recognise our mistakes and then implement a plan to rectify and improve as soon as possible.

"The responsibility starts with the Board of Directors and as Chief Executive I can assure everyone, we are fully focused on doing whatever is necessary to bring about a change in our fortunes.

"And this includes supporting and backing our senior management. In this regards, Kevin Sinfield as head of our rugby operation has already shown his leadership qualities by making some tough decisions.

"The easy and soft decisions for managers when confronted with problems is to leave them and let things drift and it takes one with a strength of character and interest in what is best for the organisation to grasp the nettle and make a tough call, which often can be an unpopular one too.

"We are fortunate to have Kevin at this difficult time for our club. He has assembled a top-class backroom staff and made changes and improvements which will bear fruit in the future.

"He cares passionately about our organisation, he understands our values, in fact, he has been instrumental in establishing these over the past 20-years, and he has a clear-sighted vision for our future and what we need to do to achieve our goals.

"In all my time in the game, I have never worked with anyone with as much focus and determination to succeed as Kevin and I know the pain he is enduring at present.

"What he and all our management need most of all is support. This will certainly be provided by me and our board and I hope all our fans can do the same."