Peter Hood has issued a soul-searching apology to fans for the worst season in the modern era at Odsal.

The Bulls equalled their lowest ever Super League finish – tenth – with just nine wins in 27 games, while making an early exit from the Challenge Cup at the hands of eventual winners Wigan.

Bulls chairman Hood has been as frustrated as the sizeable crowds which have still turned out to watch Mick Potter’s side.

He said: “I want to publicly acknowledge the pain that every fan is feeling because 2011 was a very poor season for the Bulls, a situation made worse by the excitement and expectation generated by a new era under a new head coach.

“A few of the losses were very bad indeed, not just in terms of the result but also in terms of the way those games were lost, and that is unacceptable.

“We need to fix things up, and we will.

“To their credit the fans kept coming week after week.

“That’s why today I want to offer fans a sincere apology, for what they have had to put up with this year.”

Hood highlighted the retention of fans’ favourites Brett Kearney and Heath L’Estrange on new three-year deals as reasons for optimism, plus the imminent influx of new blood – outside backs Keith Lulia and Adrian Purtell from Australia’s NRL and proven Super League halfbacks Jarrod Sammut and Luke Gale.

The Bulls chief also emphasised the encouraging signs from youngsters blooded in difficult circumstances.

“Tom Burgess has made huge strides – to have played 20 games in his break-through year is a remarkable achievement,” said Hood.

“John Bateman has impres-sed and looks set to feature in the top squad in 2012 and England Academy hooker Adam O’Brien continues to impress with man-of-the-match performances.

“We still have one ‘quota’ spot available if necessary because Ben Jeffries has been told he will be granted his (UK) passport while ex-Crusaders half-back signing Sammut (pictured) is classified as Federation-trained and doesn’t count on the overseas quota.

“Everyone at the club is determined to put this year’s disappointment behind us and move on.

“I’m appealing to every single Bradford Bulls fan who hasn’t yet pledged for 2012 to do so without delay. Otherwise we may not reach next week’s target and prices (pegged at £75 if the target of 12,000 is reached by midnight on September 18) have to go up.

“No club can reach its goal without supporters playing their part to the full, through good times and bad.

“You only have to look at Wigan, where they’ve been in recent years and where they are now, thanks to their fans’ unwavering support.”

The Bulls’ current pledge total stands at 5,214.

To pledge now, call the ticket office on 08448-711490, text 'pledge' to 60777 or visit www. bradfordbulls.co. uk.