IT IS difficult to put into words just how special last weekend was to the club and its legion of supporters - and it is near impossible to say 'thank you' enough to all those who made it happen.

Thanks to the 10,000 plus rugby league supporters who turned up to make Odsal Stadium such a vibrant and colourful home, and their immeasurable contribution to this special occasion.

One could sense as the terraces were filling that the two clubs’ supporters had bought into the sporting history of the contest and were anxious to see the biggest rugby league derby on the planet.

For such a number to invest their time and money, on the unusual Saturday fixture, live on terrestrial TV with an initial viewing audience of 1.1 million was a great testimony to all concerned.

It is true the BBC took a punt choosing our game against their normal format of two Super League clubs playing each other. There were other complications, like our trip to Toronto the previous weekend and Leeds Rhinos' subsequent Thursday night appointment against Castleford Tigers, so in the end there were compromises all round.

Thanks also to all the staff and volunteers that made the event so special. The pre-match Bull-man parade, the community support event with the juniors, the presentation to the Bradford City representatives marking the 34th anniversary of the Valley Parade tragedy, and the Bulls back of house team who just did everything they could, to make this occasion a success. Well done to all.

Of course, the biggest 'thank you' must be reserved for the coaching and fantastically talented playing group. Most people thought we were second favourites, including one well known personality who put 30 points between us!

Well I am pleased that he was proved totally and utterly wrong, and it probably reflects the views of a few “experts” who hadn’t seen the continual underlying improvement in the team performance over the last two months.

Those loyal fans gracing the terraces and the stands at Odsal would have seen the master coach John Kear progressively fine-tuning his charges in preparation for this clash.

It can’t be over-emphasised what the whole event has done for the club and I believe for rugby league generally.

For the club it was a timely reminder to those who may had lost faith in us, that with the fans' support we can restore performance and together generate that uplifting feeling, similar perhaps to the so-called glory days.

Throughout my time I have tried hard never to make promises about this or that, simply that we will slowly and surely keep rebuilding the club and its reputation. Keeping our promises and establishing confidence in this new management and football team, for our supporters and commercial partners alike.

For those scenes to be broadcast around the country, and the world, is the best statement we all could make. I hope the supporters who came back, will now begin to trust enough again to make themselves regulars. Keep the faith with us on our journey of redemption.

Importantly it was the timeliest of reminders to the wider sport that the Bulls are alive and kicking. Our attendance was not just the biggest of the weekend, it was larger than the aggregate attendance at Salford, Wakefield and Huddersfield and three times the gate at Catalans.

I have never really sought to play the card that the sport needs a strong Bulls, but the truth was there for all to see.

It is particularly galling, but actually laughable, to hear some current Super League chairmen sticking the boot into the Bulls claiming they have had too many chances already, while playing in a cup tie in front of less than 4,000 people.

Without hijacking what is ostensibly a celebratory piece, it once again brings into question the overseas team policy that the sport has not yet made sense of.

Anyway I have said it before so I won’t waste time again. I am sure it will be dealt with over the next year or two, it will have to be.