Steve McNamara’s off-season shake-up has reached the Bulls’ backroom.

Following on from a major squad reshuffle, the Bradford boss has freshened up his coaching staff, allowing Basil Richards and Martin Clawson to leave Odsal.

The pair have both left by mutual consent, despite having a year left on their respective deals, paving the way for the appointment of Geoff Evans as head of physical performance.

It is another bold move by McNamara - one he ranks among his best signings - as the Bulls look to atone for their failure to make the Super League play-offs for the first time ever last season.

Strength and conditioning coach Clawson departs after eight years in the job, while assistant coach Richards was the Bulls chief’s first appointment after replacing Brian Noble in April 2006.

McNamara’s other assistant, Lee St Hilaire, will continue in his role and Evans will work alongside him with a wide-ranging remit to work on all aspects of physical performance, from first team to academy level.

The 44-year-old Aussie brings with him an impressive CV, having gained experience in a variety of sports and disciplines.

McNamara said: “It’s probably the most significant signing in the football department for a long time, in terms of his role and title and in terms of long-term athletic development.

“Geoff is very much at the cutting edge. He’s a massive researcher of things and has great experience in a whole lot of fields.

“He’s the perfect man for this type of role and he will look at the long-term development of all our athletes, not just the first team.”

Evans was on the staff at Ian Millward’s all-conquering St Helens side early last decade and has also worked with Wakefield Wildcats, Huddersfield Giants and Huddersfield Town.

An expert in sports science and a qualified nutritionist, he spent last year with Italian rugby union side Rugby Roma.

Evans said: “I am really pleased to have been offered this opportunity with such a progressive and go-ahead club as Bradford Bulls.

“They are an organisation I have admired for many years and I was delighted when Steve McNamara contacted me about coming on board.

“I am really looking forward to helping with the athletic development of the outstanding junior players at the club and working closely with Steve McNamara and the first-team squad.

“Developing the youth and the first-team squad into better players is my major goal.”