BULLS have confirmed an announcement is imminent on the identity of their new permanent head coach.

In a column penned for the T&A, the club's CEO said all candidates had been interviewed.

He wrote: "The interviews have continued and concluded, this week, with the selection process drawing to a close, meaning an announcement is imminent."

And supporters can get talking with the club in the next couple of weeks, with Hirst confirming: "As promised, our next, ever popular, fans' forum has now been scheduled.

"It will take place in the AJJB Law Stand, at Odsal Stadium on Wednesday, July 13. Further details will follow, in the coming week."

And there has been a buzz at the club following a couple of positive midweek results too.

Hirst said: "Our ever-improving Under-16 Scholarship side had an impressive and hard-fought victory over Wakefield Trinity on Wednesday evening.

"The match was hugely entertaining throughout and we thoroughly deserved our 30-18 victory against tenacious and skilled opposition.

"The game was the sixth our scholars have played this season and the victory has now seen us win three and lose three.

"It’s not results, however, that are important at this level, it’s the development of players and coaches, individually and collectively.

"On that note, I’d like to publicly thank and congratulate, not only all the players, but in particular, the coaching team of Paul Mennell (head coach) and his assistant coaches, Alex Stephens, Luke Helliwell and Anthony Baker, as well as all their other backroom staff.

"The transformation, from the first game of the season back in March, to now, has been truly spectacular and shows what great coaching can do, in relation to young player development."

He added: "Last night, following last week’s heavy defeat to a Super League packed Castleford Tigers side, the reserves bounced back in style, securing a comprehensive 56-16 victory at home to Hull Kingston Rovers.

"George Flanagan Junior crossed for two tries and was one of several to catch the eye on the night."

As for those scholarship coaches mentioned, Hirst said: "All of the above coaches are a product of local community clubs and I’d like to personally thank our loyal fan base, who have, to date raised circa £4,000 for our local community clubs, as well as our Physical Disability Rugby League side, via bucket collections on match days.

"You also helped us to raise circa £800 for our Armed Forces, at last week’s game against Dewsbury Rams.

"These figures are truly humbling amounts, particularly in these financially challenging times and are testament to your generosity.

"I was also personally hugely privileged and humbled to renew our Armed Forces covenant, last week, on behalf of our great club."

Finally, looking ahead to tomorrow's first-team game, Hirst said: "Please come along and support the team when we entertain table-topping Leigh Centurions.

"As usual, the game kicks off at 3pm and is proceeded by a 12:15pm kick-off when our women’s team entertain Barrow Raiders.

"Their head coach, Shaun Flynn, is doing a great job and I know he and all his team would appreciate you turning up in numbers to support them.

"There’s also lots of other things going on, including Face Painting and our Gaming Zone in the Touchdown Bar."