The Bulls’ search for a new boss is on after Steve McNamara today confirmed he will leave Odsal at the end of the season.

Following weeks of uncertainty over his future, McNamara has finally accepted the Rugby Football League’s offer to become England coach.

The 38-year-old will combine his roles with club and country until the end of Bradford’s 2010 campaign, at which point he will join the national team set-up full-time.

Initially, the Bulls board had been opposed to such a job-sharing agreement but their hand was forced when McNamara made clear his desire to leave.

They could still have demanded compensation to allow the early termination of his contract, which runs until November, but were keen not to disrupt recent on-field progress, having seen the team rise to fifth in Super League on the back of six wins in nine games.

Now the Bulls have several months in which to appoint a successor before preparations begin in earnest for 2011.

Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus, chairman Peter Hood said: “Steve informed me a couple of days ago that he wanted to accept the England challenge.

“This means that instead of debating a new deal for Steve, the Bradford board can move swiftly on to begin the process of considering the merits of other suitably qualified candidates.

“While I know the RFL’s preference was to have Steve in a full-time post immediately, from the outset they made it clear they would abide by the club’s decision as to when he would become available.

“Once Steve had told us of his decision, for me and the Bradford board the only consideration was to do what is in the best interests of our club.

“To that end we believe the club is best served by Steve seeing out the remainder of his contract to give us the best possible chance of maximising our potential in both Super League and the Challenge Cup.

“The RFL has put out the call ‘Your Country Needs You’ and Steve has answered.

“But once today’s events are done, I know that Steve’s focus will be back on Bradford Bulls 100 per cent of the time, right up until the very last day of our season, because that’s the kind of committed professional he is.”

McNamara’s future had been top of the agenda for Monday’s scheduled meeting of the Bradford board but attention can now turn to the search for a replacement.

Several candidates have already thrown their hats into the ring and Hood is confident the club will not be short of candidates.

Former Bradford players Brian McDermott and Jimmy Lowes have so far been mentioned as possibilities, as have Salford boss Shaun McRae and Leigh chief Ian Millward.

Hood said: “During the speculation that’s been going on over the last couple of weeks, a number of people have let it be known that, should a vacancy occur, they would like to be considered.

“Steve ruled himself out and that takes him out of the question. So, rather than discussing his future, we can move on to the next stage.

“While it’s a priority to find a successor, it’s not an emergency. This is not September, so we don’t need to make a hurried appointment.”