JOHN Kear has left the Bulls by mutual consent.

The club have announced they have parted company with their head coach of the last five seasons.

Kear, who took the helm in December 2017, led the Bulls to immediate promotion from League One.

His reign also saw them record a famous Challenge Cup win over Leeds Rhinos in 2019 on the way to the quarter-finals.

They finished fifth in the Championship last season, their highest placing for six years, but were knocked out in the first round of the play-offs by Batley.

Kear said: “Having been at the Bulls for four and a half years, I feel that this move is the best one in order to take the club forward.

“I have enjoyed my time at Bradford, and should like to thank all concerned, especially the performance staff and players for their support.”

Last night’s 32-14 loss to leaders Featherstone was their third in a row – all at Odsal. They are currently ninth in the table and go to Whitehaven on Sunday.

Assistant Mark Dunning has taken interim charge while the club begin the hunt to identify their next head coach.

Chairman Nigel Wood said: “We would like to thank John for his considerable efforts on behalf of the club over the last four years.

“We met this morning and both agreed that it was in the club’s best interests to make a change at this moment in time.

“On a personal basis, I am very pleased for John, in what turned out to be his final match as head coach, that our performance last night was full of character and resilience. He leaves with our best wishes.”