BRADFORD Bulls' general manager Tracey Erby has offered a personal thank you for supporters past and present, as she reflects on a momentous year for the club she loves.
She said: "It really is difficult to know where to start in a quite tumultuous year, but at the end of the day everything will be worthwhile when the team runs out against our old rival Halifax on Boxing Day.
"Simply to get to be starting a new season at our home has been some journey.
"You almost lose sight of the various hurdles we have had to jump; arranging games at different venues, some behind closed doors, some with restricted attendances, working with our stock car partners, rebuilding trust, and delivering great value to a range of new partners and sponsors.
"It has been an exciting and challenging ride and we simply could not cope without the invaluable assistance of so many volunteers, helpers and supporters, personal and commercial.
"Boxing Day will be a great opportunity, in a relaxed atmosphere, to say thank you; to blow off the excesses of Christmas and to see many of our new players don our kit for the first time.
"And remember it will be a beautiful new away kit, to recognise and support the charity Shelter’s 'away from home at Christmas' campaign highlighting homelessness during the festive period.
"If you can get along on Boxing Day, then please come and support.
"We follow that up with three further fixtures, Batley, Hull and Leeds, before we kick off the regular season at the end of January.
"Batley are old friends, Hull haven’t been to Odsal for some time and have agreed to play the fixture to commemorate Danny Brough’s remarkable career, and Leeds surely need no introduction.
"We are working really closely with Leeds in the community and we hope to build further stronger links going forward.
"In the meantime, can I offer my thanks to all those fans who have supported, sacrificed, encouraged and generally been there to lend a hand.
"I wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and truly hope we have a 2022 to celebrate."
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