MARK Dunning has proved he is up to the Bulls job full-time, according to David Foggin-Johnston.

Sunday’s crushing 48-6 win over Dewsbury, their biggest of the season, was a fifth in seven games since Dunning took temporary charge.

The Bulls are keeping a tight lid on the selection process. Dunning has been interviewed by the board but the identity of his potential competition to be named next coach remains unclear.

Winger Foggin-Johnston believes the club stalwart is showing the leadership skills to warrant a permanent post.

He said: “I’ve built up a good relationship with Mark over the four years I’ve been here and I think he’s got a fair shot. He’s won the respect of the boys.

“You could go on about what people have done in the game and how many clubs they have been at.

“But Mark’s stayed loyal to Bradford. He’s brought through a lot of good young players with Leigh Beattie.

“Sometimes that’s what Bradford is missing. They are missing people signing here who want to be here and work hard for that badge.

“It’s not easy when you step up. It’s a big jump and you’re going to have loads of ‘wolf eyes’ looking at you.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Bulls have won five out of their seven games under Mark Dunning's commandThe Bulls have won five out of their seven games under Mark Dunning's command

“I don’t know any of the other contenders but Mark’s my coach right now and I’m happy with that.”

It is just over three weeks since the deadline for applicants passed. Chief executive officer Jason Hirst revealed there has been “some high-calibre interest from the UK and overseas” but no timetable has been issued.

Dunning played it down when asked if Sunday’s eight-try victory had strengthened his own chances.

“You’ll have to ask other people,” he said.

“It’s not about me, the result is about the players. They scored the tries and kept Dewsbury out.

“Yes, I’ve had my interview and you’ll have to ask the powers-that-be how it went.”

But Foggin-Johnston stressed he has the backing of the dressing room after removing any uncertainty that could have lingered when Kear’s long-term tenure was suddenly ended.

He added: “That was the key thing after John came in for his last meeting and sat us all down to say farewell.

“As soon as he left the room, Dunno was like, ‘right, let’s put it to bed and it’s how we go about moving forward now’.

“We’ve just jumped on the Dunno train and we’re happy to keep it going.

“We’re going to be in tough games when we’ll need to work hard for the man next to you. We’ll need that togetherness more than ever now in the second half of the season.

“Mark’s been massive for that. He’s told us to do the little things right, work hard for your mate and express yourselves.

“We’ve got players like (Jordan) Lilley and (Dec) Patton. You can’t keep always keep those guys in a structure.

“You need to let them throw the ball about a bit and Mark has given us that freedom.

“He’s made us have a lot of socials together. After the game, he told us that we’d be nailed back on it Tuesday but to enjoy ourselves tonight.

“You need that from your coach as well. It’s a bit of give and take.

"I can't fault Mark in what he's done."