BULLieve 28th January 2013

                                                   28^th January 2013 by Jay Leeming.

Good evening BULLievers and welcome to your weekly BULLieve.

It’s finally here! This week the much eagerly anticipated super league season starts this week!

The bull welcome the wildcats to the Provident Stadium on Sunday with a 3pm kick off.

This week there hasn’t been much news to report from the Provident stadium as the weather has effected a few things from delivery of shirts to training. Well the RFL have finally let us fans know where we stand – kind of. Chief Executive Nigel Woods has revealed that he is “excited” with the progress our club is making and has said we shall receive the same revenue generated from gate receipts and sponsorship deals. Superb news after we had to give up most of our sky money which has no doubt put a dent in the budget but so far so good.  Woods has said that there is to be a review of our “probationary period” mid-season. Yet more good news for us as the way things are going we will be allowed back into Super league and hopefully for the 3 year franchise unless the relegation and promotion is brought back then we shall be playing season by season with the rest of super league trying to avoid the drop which, for us I’d say we would be very unlikely to be relegated.  On the training front as we know the lads have a day off usually during the week but, the dedication from the lads has been brilliant as they have been training on their day off which shows how much the lads are preparing for the fourth coming season.

Just this morning it has been revealed that Paul Medley has been appointed head coach for the under 19’s and could possibly become Francis Cummins right hand man from next season.

Medley’s young charges will play Wakefield in their opening under-19s fixture at the Provident Stadium on Thursday. The match will kick off at 7.30pm.

As far as the new 2013 away shirt goes I think it’s a decent looking shirt. We have gone with hoops and the colours are; deep purple green and white. The shirt looks a lot more professional than the home shirt which, in my and a lot of other fans opinions looked rushed. Far too much going on all in a small space at the top of the shirt where as it could have been spread out but the emphasis mainly was based on the record breaking sponsorship deal we made with Provident. To be fair it shouldn’t matter what shirt we have as we have a club and a team which looked doomed last year.  The challenge cup sponsor was revealed this week and I can now reveal the new name for the challenge cup is, the Tetley’s challenge cup. The deal is for 2 years. That’s all good and well getting sponsors for the challenge cup but, the worrying thing for me is so far we have no sponsor and seems won’t have a sponsor for the super league. After last season having a sponsor (stobart) and receiving no revenue this is bad. As I have touched upon this subject in a previous edition of BULLieve, is this just pointing in the direction that super league is going down the pan? The comparison in money between super league and the NRL is staggering and we may see ALL of our best players being poached by the money makers down under. I know we have been a minority sport for years but surely we are recognised enough for business’s to want to be part of our game? I know all fans of super league are loyal and will stay to the end but I’d like to see the end further than nearer the future. Another name cropped up this week, an online bingo site namely Foxy Bingo.com. As soon as this name was mentioned a lot of fans thought this was the new name of super league. I can definitely say this is not the case. I can clarify Foxy Bingo.com is  an official partner of super league for the next 3 years which will involve more community based things to promote super league. Also with the partnership scheme it has emerged that Heinz big soup is continuing its partnership with super league.

This week I have the upmost pleasure in speaking to our first match day mascot of the season and his father. Stuart Fynn is a young man all the way from Bridlington East Yorkshire and will be this Sunday’s mascot. Here is a short background on Stuart provided by his father Mr Thomas Fynn;

Stuart was born 08/09/04. He was 4 weeks early and spent 2 weeks in special care very ill with many things. However he has turned out into a great little lad who like most have their moments. He is 8 now and a last year was diagnosed with a rare syndrome called kabuki it effects his muscle tone in his legs and is unable to walk long distances he also has a condition with his eyes called Duane’s syndrome basically one eye does not sit in correct place and has almost a tunnel vision but is good at seeing at long distance great for bulls games really lol. Like most boys he loves trains fire engines etc. and particular spotting Eddie stobarts. I kind of brought him up with the bulls and had his pic taken on a bulls flag at only few months old he used to be terrified when I cheered after they scored but we found that his ears were very tender and had gromits fitted to assist him to hear clearer. He attends Kingsmill special school in Driffield which is a fab school every parent should see the work they do. He loves his bulls and his 2 favourite players are Brett Kearney and Heath L’Estrange. He is looking forward to his day on 3rd Feb immensely and so are his mum and dad as at one stage we never expected him to get past a few month he was so poorly as a child.

I managed to speak to Stuart and Thomas to ask them a few questions regarding match day and their love for the club;

Q1 what is the best thing about match day?

The best thing about match day is the hype and the excitement you can forget all your worries and engross yourself in sport and shout and yell for the team I (Tom) love the atmosphere of odsal there is nowhere like it for a rugby venue. (Stuart) I love to see plenty of tries and conversions and being with my mum and dad.

Q2 what is the distance in a round trip on match day?

The distance is around 170 miles there and back takes us about 2 hours on a steady run but don't want to say much more I have done it in less.

Q3 Do you have any match day rituals/ superstitions?

Stuart. I always kiss my bulls badge on my shirt before every game and must have my flag as well. My dad once went a whole season where he never shaved on match day and that was 2003 when we won the lot it worked. If he did shave we nearly always lost so that is now my dad’s match ritual not to shave. I also won't buy a new shirt till mid-season as last seasons is always lucky and I'm sure I can put it to rest with my others. My dad says 2 beers before kick-off is an absolute must.

Q4 Who has been your all-time favourite player?

My favourite player that's a tough one. Of the super league era there has been some great players to wear a bull’s jersey. Going to have to go for 2 here and its mick withers and big les I could choose more to be honest I like my wingers like tevita vaikona. I would also like to mention that Trevor Forster became an idol for me as he worked tirelessly for the club thru dark times and good times it’s nice to see him behind recognised more with bars named after him I think a statue would be fitting for him inside odsal.

Q5 When you cannot make a match how do you keep up to date with the score?

When we can't make matches I tend to be glued to sky sports news or if live on TV obviously we watch it. But I also use Facebook as I know that jay or someone does a live feed of which I am great full of I'm not allowed Facebook at work so never comment but when we win it gives me that added boost to my day

Q6 Who is the biggest fan? You or your dad?

Biggest fan is definitely dad he is bulls crazy always wears a bulls shirt and we always dance to woolly bully before bed time even at work I know he has something bulls related under his uniform. And bullman is always in the car.

 

Q7 which is better Bullman or Bullboy?

Well this one shocked me when I asked Stuart and he says bullboy.

Q8 If you had a say in merchandise what would you want to see and purchase?

I have a million ideas like I say Leeds rhino bog roll. No seriously I would like to see more things that you can use every day t towels bath towels etc. even little cars for kids with bullman in. I also think a sticker book for bulls but incorporating other super league teams with relevant information about them we have to keep the younger ones interested may sound like a broken record but it’s imperative that in future years they bring along their kids just like we do now and spread the word of bullmania. To be honest stick a bulls badge on anything and trust me ill buy it.

Q9 If you could change anything on match day what would it be and why?

I'm hoping that now Omar has taken over we get back to the bullmania days it just seemed for a bit there was nothing for the kids to do I appreciate last year’s issues so I never expected anything more than a game to see after all take kids there going to spend all your money on sweets etc. I also think an activity book for kids too just to keep interest as there our future generation of the bulls.

Q10 If the bulls had not kept their place in super league would you still have been as passionate?

Yes we would it does not matter where the club ended up our passion for the bulls will never die and I think most fans feel the same. I would still have gone to see them play.

Q11 how did you feel when we went into administration?

Probably like the rest of the fans gutted heartbroken the thought of losing them became so real my dad had been thru it all before so it brought back the stories he had told me hence my admiration for Trevor Foster. Anyway we're safe now and I believe the future is very bright at odsal.

Q12 Does your dad scare you when he is cheering on the bulls?

Yes he does he shouts so loud that the next day he can't talk properly but it's good because he can't tell me off and he always gets me a little gift.

Thank you lads for giving us BULLievers your time to answer those questions we shall see you at the Provident stadium on match days especially this Sunday 3^rd of February when Stuart will be running out with non-other than Matty Blythe. Enjoy your day Stuart we will all be there cheering you and the lads on.

 

 

Well our game is slightly changing as regards of law changes. These changes have been trialled in all pre-season friendlies and the RFL have decided to implement them for this season.

The law changes in full are as follows:

 

Ball in touch or touch in-goal or dead in-goal (Section 9)

 

A player is deemed to be in touch if any part of his body touches the touchline or anything outside of the playing field. Similarly, a player is deemed to be touch in-goal or dead in-goal if any part of his body touches the touch in-goal or dead-ball line or anything outside the field of play in those areas. If a player who is in touch, touch in-goal or dead in-goal touches a moving ball then the team who kicked the ball or knocked on are responsible for the ball going out of play. However, if the ball is stationary in the field of play and is then touched by a player who is in touch, touch in-goal or dead in-goal then that player is responsible for the ball going dead.

 

Scrum on 20m line

 

Other than as outlined above, the game is restarted after the ball has gone into touch by forming a scrum 20 metres infield opposite the point of entry into touch but not nearer than ten (10) meters to the goal-line.

 

In all aspects of general play, a player who does not deliberately play at the ball (e.g. ricochet or rebound) will not be disadvantaged by a consequent restart of play when the ball has gone dead or into touch.

 

Penalties – where taken

 

A penalty kick resulting from an offence at the kick off shall be taken from the centre of the halfway line. Any penalty kick arising from the restarting of play from an optional kick on the 20m line shall be taken where the offence takes place. Any penalty kick arising from any other 20-metre restart shall be taken from the centre of the 20m line. A penalty kick resulting from any offence at the drop out from between the posts shall be taken from the centre of the line drawn parallel to and 10 metres from the goal line.

Also there have been a few new changes in the reffing of rugby league;

Changes to Interpretations

 

Late challenge on the kicker

 

A late challenge on the kicker will no longer result in an automatic sin bin for the player who tackled late. The referee will still have the option to penalise, sin bin or dismiss the player if he sees it as appropriate.

 

Calling held if a player is dragged

 

The referee will call held if a player is being dragged when there is more than one tackler involved. The referee will call held once he sees one of the tacklers (where there is more than one tackler involved in the tackle) take up a position where he is holding up the player and moving backwards towards the touchline or his own in goal area. If the player continues to drag after “held” has been called he will be penalised.

 

Referee signal for team caution

 

The referee no longer needs to inform the captain verbally that his team has been placed on a caution. In order to keep the game moving, the referee will inform the team and spectators that a team has been placed on caution for a period of time by pointing at that team and circling his other arm in front of him.

 

Quick 20-metre restart

 

A team can take advantage of a quick 20m restart if the player collecting the ball after it has gone or been made dead in the in goal area runs back to the centre of the 20m line while retaining possession of the ball and takes the restart himself. In addition, all players from the team taking the 20m restart must be back inside the 20-metre area, the referee must be back on the 20m line and the restart must be taken at the centre of the 20m line. A mark will be placed on the centre of the 20m line as an indication to the players.

 

Advantage

 

If a team gains possession from a forward pass or knock on then they will only be deemed to have taken their advantage if they keep possession until the next tackle is complete. If possession is lost before the tackle is complete then the referee will go back to the point of the original infringement and award a scrum against the team that infringed first. The

 

Referee will rule that the team in possession has not had an advantage if they are tackled close to their own goal line. Foul play by the team attempting to take the advantage will be penalised at the point where the foul play occurs.

 

Markers not square when the ball is played

 

Where there is a quick play the ball and a marker(s) does not have time to get in position, he can be played onside by getting into the position he should have been in at marker. Once he has got to that position he can make a tackle. The referee should penalise players who get into a marker position but choose to leave early before the ball has been played.

So when you are watching the game you will notice the refs using a few different signals this season which they have been practising during the off season.

In other news;

As you may or may not know, Bradford City have had a fantastic run in the capital on cup this year and have beaten not 1 but 3 premiership teams on their way to the final in Wembley. On behalf of myself and all other BULLievers I would like to wish them the best of luck and I hope they bring back the silverware.

Warrington played Wigan for Ben Westwood’s testimonial game and the result was Warrington 20 Wigan 0.

Well ITV was supposed to have been showing some adverts to help raise the profile of super league during the FA cup ties but, it did not come to fruition for which ever reason. I think once again that is a dent in our profile.

 Well I have made a group on Facebook for all fans of the Bulls and BULLieve can join and can be found here https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/440032066068082/  and don’t forget to follow on twitter too @BULLieve2013

 I hope you have enjoyed reading this week’s edition of BULLieve.

Many thanks go to Thomas and Stuart Fynn and of course each and every BULLiever who reads.

Can you please pass this on to other bull’s fans who haven’t seen BULLieve before?

Thank you for giving me your time to read BULLieve. Enjoy the game on Sunday and look out for BULLieve next Monday at 8pm.

All the best,

Jay.

 

BULLieve © Jay Leeming 2013

BULLieve featuring Jamie Langley

By Jay Leeming.

Good evening to all BULLievers old and new,

Well what a week it’s been for the bulls. I would like to start by saying hello and welcome to the bulls to our new non-executive Kate Hardcastle. Kate will dedicate 20 days of her time free of charge to help the bulls with her experience. This is a fantastic partnership and Kate has got the ball rolling already.

Great news on the finance front, Akbar’s restaurant has given us £25,000 this week. Thank you very much for this as it will be spent wisely and possibly be used for the temporary roof which will be installed over the popular side.

Well the weather surely played its part this week, the hugely popular comedy night had to be cancelled on Friday but if you have got tickets they are fine to be used at the next comedy night which I think is February. If you wish to have a refund on your ticket you can contact the ticket office who will help you out.

The weather didn’t stop the lads from going to odsal earlier in the week and they spotted a fox on the snow clad pitch.

Other news, Luke Gale and Chev Walker visited the RUGBYAM studios to have a chat with Dj Alex Simmons on his weekly show which is Wednesdays 7am – 10am. It was hilarious with Chev doing the hot wing challenge and Alex comparing Omar with George from the film east is east. Here is the listen link https://soundcloud.com/#alex-simmons-music/rugby-am-show-7-alex-simmons

Well Sunday approached with some speed and thankfully the dedicated hard working ground staff at Leeds made sure the game went ahead. The turnout for Danny McGuire’s testimonial game despite the weather conditions was 6,106. The game was a fast paced intense rivalry although this was meant to be a friendly. Bulls vs. Rhino’s is never a friendly. Here is my match report,

The bulls took firm control of the game and opened their account with a lovely try from Jarrod Sammut. The bulls then piled on the pressure and by the midway point of the first half were 18-0 up through Sammut and Brett Kearney who had both scored 2 apiece. Leeds came back though and through new signing Joe Vickery who also scored twice but, Golden boot winner Kevin Sinfield failed to convert making it Bulls 18 Leeds 8 at the break. Just before the hour Leeds scored again this time through Rob Burrow making the score bulls 18 Leeds 14 as this time Kevin Sinfield converted. Kearney weaved his way over for his second and Jamie Foster’s fourth conversion put the Bulls 24-14 up. Leeds responded through England winger Ryan Hall with 12 minutes remaining and Francis Cummins was denied a winning return to headingley when McGuire scampered clear in trademark fashion in the 70th minute and Sinfield converted to level the match at 24 all. Which was the final score. It was great to see James Donaldson get a run out even though it was only 20 mins he was under orders as it was his first game back since injury. The Bulls fans were as usual in superb voice and sang for the whole 80 mins.

Well BULLievers as promised, here is your player spotlight featuring none other than our very own fans favourite and longest current serving player Jamie Langley.

 

Hi Jamie can you give me a quick intro please,

Jamie Langley. Squad number 13. Position forward.

1.                  Which coach / person has been most influential in your career?

I've been fortunate enough to work under some very talented coaches in my career so it's hard to pinpoint one as you learn different things from every coach you have. The two coaches that probably stand out in my mind would have to be Bernard Dwyer in my first couple of seasons at the club and Mike Gregory who coached me at England academy level. Both outstanding players and even better blokes.

2.                  I know some youngsters (ladies) love your hair. Would you ever consider changing hairstyles?

My hair has kind of become my signature these days so it will be a sad day when I have to eventually cut it off! I've mixed it up over the years with corn rows and even straightening it on the odd occasion but for now I'm quite content with the curly locks!

3.                  As the longest serving bull who have been the best players you've played with and which young players excite you at Bradford and why?

I have been at the club since 1999 when I was still at school and have had the pleasure of playing with some outstanding players over the years. If I had to single out a few then I would have to say from my earlier years at the club Jimmy Lowes & Robbie Paul were outstanding. Both very talented and knowledgeable and also fantastic leaders. More recently I would have to say Steve Menzies is probably the most naturally gifted player I've ever played with. He has natural instincts you can't coach and has a great temperament for the game.

There are a lot of talented young players coming through at the moment which is great and I think John Bateman and Adam O'Brian are at the forefront of that.

4.                  Do you keep in touch with any of the players from the ''good old days'' and what are they up to these days?

It's always nice to see players that you have played with over the years. Most of the lads are still playing and enjoying success after Bradford which is great. I bumped into Baloo (Paul Anderson) the other day, my old travelling partner, it's great to see he's now forging a career as a coach and I'm sure he'll be very successful. Just not against us!

5.                  When you hang up your playing boots, what is your next mover career wise?

I love sport so after I finish playing I would love to still be involved in sport in some capacity whether it be coaching or going down the training avenue.

 

Along with Wayne Godwin and Duane Straughier we have just started up the brand 'We Are Taurus' which at the minute provides training clothing and we are also involved with a few fitness classes too. Eventually we'll have a website up and running so people can purchase the clothing online and also see when the next training classes are taking place. We're having a lot of fun with it at the minute and people really seem to like it! Hopefully when the training schedule calms down we'll be able to put some more time into it and who knows where it might lead. For the latest updates on We Are Taurus follow me on twitter @JamieLangley13 & also @wearetaurus too!

6.                  If you wasn’t a professional rugby league player, what career would you have pursued?

If I weren't to play rugby I would have still been involved in a career in sport somehow whether it be coaching or teaching.

7.                  What has been the high and low of your bull’s career?

The highs of my career would no doubt be winning the Grand Final and the two world club challenges in that order. The lows without a shadow of a doubt would be the injuries you have to contend with. I would love to be one of these players who never seems to get injured but not everyone can be so fortunate.

8.                  Apart from playing at loose forward, what other position would you like to play in?

I'm happy to play in any position in the forwards and have even had a run out in the centres in the past but I like to be around the ball so the middle of the field suits me better.

9.                  After a lengthy career in top flight rugby what still motivates and fuels the fire?

Every year is a new challenge and I've always found it easy to motivate myself. The challenge of being a professional athlete is something I take very seriously and I always make sure I do everything I possibly can to get the most out of myself. This is what keeps me motivated, striving to be the best I can possibly be.

10.              How many times a day do you work out to keep the biggest arms in super league?

During the off season I work out in the gym between 4-5 times a week, that's where you build up your base then as it gets closer to the games it's more like 2-3 times a week. I find it very easy to gain muscle mass so have to limit the amount of lifting I do in the season. I don't specifically train the 'guns' more, I just have good genes to thank for those!

11.              What is your daily training regime?

A normal day would be arrive at the training ground around 8am for massage or foam rolling/mobility stretches to get your body ready for the days training. Then we weigh ourselves and fill out a 'well being' questionnaire about how much sleep we've had, stress levels and body soreness etc. Then we do 30 minutes Pre-hab with our physio to prepare your body for the on coming sessions. Then we'll do around 45 minutes work in the gym lifting weights etc. followed by around 15 minutes of mini skills on the mats working on tackle technique, passing and handling & communication. Then we might do a short blast in the cardio room on the rowers or boxing for around 20 minutes. We'll then break for lunch. After lunch we'll go out and do around 1.5-2 hours of field work and we usually finish around 3pm. During the season the days get shorter and you have a lot more video work and analysis.

12.              What is your diet throughout the season and how does it differ when injured?

It’s important to keep my body fat levels low so I keep my diet tight and consistent throughout the year and it doesn't vary too much if I happen to be injured. Simply put I eat mostly whole foods and try to avoid anything with sugar or saturated fat. I eat larger meals for breakfast and lunch and try to eat every 2-3 hours. I keep my eating habits strict through the week then will allow myself a cheat meal at the weekend, pizza or steak, chips & onion rings are my favourites!

13.              Do you think the fans helped the lads push through last year’s tribulations?

The fans played a MASSIVE part in getting the team through last season. In my opinion our fans were second to none last year and the players are forever grateful at the support which we receive home and away, week after week. The fans play a large part in our successes and when they get behind us in games it gives us a huge lift. Their contribution is invaluable and the lads really appreciate it.

 

14.              How does it feel to be the longest current player at the club?

It's an honour to be the longest serving player at the club. I've enjoyed every minute at Bradford, even through the tough times and hopefully I can enjoy it for a little while longer! 

 

15.              Realistically, where do you think we will finish this season?

I believe realistically, if we keep a healthy squad, we can finish within the top eight.

16.              Where did you get your  'Finish Strong' catchphrase from?

       The 'Finish Strong' catchphrase. Well I don't really use it that often. I used it quite a lot during the Bullsbodyblitz and maybe that's where the question came from. It's something I think in my own mind when the going is really tough, to the point where your lungs are bursting through your chest and your muscles are literally burning due to the lactic acid but in my head I'm thinking "come on now, You got this. Finish strong!" You should never let your body lead your mind, your body will always want to give up. If you have a strong mind you can push your body past the limits it wants to go.

 

Many thanks go to Jamie Langley for his time in doing the interview which has become a regular feature in BULLieve without player interaction with us the fans I think the club wouldn’t be as close knit as it has become.

Once again thank you Jamie and save me some onion rings.

BULLieve has now got its own twitter account and I am asking if you would kindly try get BULLieve more followers? You can follow by following @BULLieve2013 and you can now email using bullieve@hotmail.co.uk.

Thank you for your time in reading BULLieve the article is getting better by the week and all comments queries etc please don’t hesitate to let me know via twitter or email.

Until next week, keep safe in this weather.

Cheers BULLievers,

Jay.

BULLieve Introduction

BULLieve introduction

BULLieve was set up on the Bradford bulls banter group on Facebook in late 2012. It was an idea of mine to write a weekly update for people instead of scrolling through different posts and going from site to site to see the week’s news. Why BULLieve I hear you ask? Well the name came about after the trials and tribulations of the club which nearly ended up being liquidated so the name was fitting.

After I wrote my first BULLieve the response was awesome (not to blow my own trumpet) and it has gone from strength to strength. All factual content is from the club itself but, I also add my own views and comments. After contacting the club via Stuart Duffy and the players themselves I managed to do player interviews and to date I have done 3 namely James Donaldson, Heath L’Estrange and Manase Manuokafoa. I am in the process of adding more players to this list and also this season will have short match reports. Adding to this, I am adding “Around the ground” this involves supporters groups and general supporters. BULLieve is published every Monday night at 8pm.

BULLieve now has its own twitter account and can be followed by searching for @BULLieve2013 and anyone interested in being part of BULLieve can now send an email to bullieve@hotmail.co.uk

I hope to hear from you soon with comments, suggestions and follows.

 

Cheers BULLievers,

Jay Leeming.

Happy new year BULLievers

 

By Jay Leeming.

Happy 2013 to each and every BULLiever! Here is your first instalment for 2013.

 

If this is your first read of BULLieve here is a brief intro,

BULLieve was first published back in 2012 as an experiment to see if people would like the idea of having a Bulls weekly update with facts from the club and also my own opinions and views. Well it is proving week on week that BULLieve is popular and I have managed to hold 3interviews so far with, James Donaldson, Heath L’Estrange and Manase Manuokafoa. This season I will be including short match reports and more player interviews (as and when I can) Plus, I will be holding fans interviews to establish different views from around the ground.

 

Well not too much to say about the festive period except that the new Bradford bulls website is now fully operational.

  Our loan player, ben Evans has had to undergo surgery to correct a hip and ligament problem which has ruled him out for 4 months.

 In good news is that our very own Ian Sibbit is making a comeback with the Bulls as a member of Francis Cummins’ match-day backroom staff. Ian had retired from the playing side of the game at the end of last season but is now involved in the club he is passionate about. This is superb news not just for the club but for sib himself, keeping active and using his great knowledge of the game in game days.

Well an announcement went ahead and it has been announced that 1 of 3 concerts to be held at the Provident stadium will start On Saturday 25th May. The Provident stadium will be playing host to The 80’s Strike Back, The Ultimate Party. Priority Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 16th Jan and then on General Sale from Friday 18th January.  Tickets are available from only £19.50 per person. Priority tickets will be available from the ticket office. General sale tickets will be available online. The Line-up for the night is Rick Astley, Belinda Carlisle, The Real Thing, Roland Gift, Go West Altered Images and all are backed by the amazing Rewind All-star Band.

Even more positive news is that Mr Khan has been a busy guy of late, he has visited Qatar to look into the prospects of making the Provident stadium into a sporting village. The mention of a sporting village has been around for years and I feel a lot will think “yeah right” but, so far Omar has kept to every word which, for me is exactly what we require after last season’s extremely poor management of the club we all love. Omar has come out and said he is to build a temporary roof over the popular side terracing which, is a huge step in the right direction. Along with this great step forward, the Provident stadium has been given a spruce up with the stadium being cleaned top to bottom and having the barriers around the stadium a fresh lick of paint which is a very long time coming. The work to bring a fresh new look to the Provident stadium has been under taken by volunteers, another great move as, although Omar had to buy the materials, the labour was free of charge and the volunteers who are mainly fans will be able to say to others who say the stadium is looking better “ I did that”. It brings in the added faction of the Bulls becoming the “people’s team “once again.

 I would like to say on behalf of all the Bulls fans a massive thank you to each and every volunteer who has helped in the transformation of the stadium so far. The terraces are spotless and the barriers which spectators stand against on the terracing have had a new lease of life by being sanded down and had a very much needed lick of paint. The next painting session will be this Saturday the 18^th. Volunteers are urged to attend and meet outside the ticket office to start painting at 10am weather permitting. Please attend if you can even if you can only spare an hour or two any and all help is very much welcomed.

Well the annual player’s shirt presentation night did not disappoint. The coral stand was packed with fans and the atmosphere was super, almost like match day. I can surely say that the bond between the club and the fans is now solid. It seems everything no matter how big or small is made aware to the fans and that is a world away from where we were back in 2012. More events have been added to the coral stand event nights which is bringing even more much needed revenue Omar’s business sense is spot on and you can tell he is a Yorkshire man, why spend cash if you don’t need to? The fans involvement is a super idea as for me, it makes supporting the Bulls that bit more special I don’t feel like just a fan who turns up at matches and that’s it. You can turn up at the stadium most days and everyone at the club has time for you the feel in and around the club is much more relaxed and makes you proud to be a Bulls fan.

This week saw the Bulls take on Glenn Morrison’s Dewsbury Rams side at the Tetley’s Stadium in the first pre-season match, The Bulls were convincing winners at the Tetley’s stadium as they charged past Glenn Morrison’s Rams. Elliot Whitehead stole the headlines by scoring 4 of the Bulls 8 tries, with a hat trick coming in the first half. The other 4 tries were scored by, Matt Diskin, Matty Blythe, Heath L’Estrange and Manase Manuokafoa. All 8 tries were converted by debutant and man of the match, Jamie Foster. Francis Cummings was in high spirits with the sterling effort all of the lads put in to the match.  Next up is the second and last pre-season match against the Leeds Rhino’s at Headingly stadium on Sunday 20^th January with a 3pm kick off.

One event for your diaries is, this Friday 18^th January see’s the second comedy night in the coral stand. The first comedy night was a huge success with the coral stand packed out full of very happy customers who all said that the night was superb.  Headlining the night is Alfie Moore Star of ITV's "Show me the Funny” the supporting acts are Bill Woolland and Scott Bennett. The night starts at 7pm and tickets are available now priced at, £5 before the night and £7 on the night.

In next week’s edition of BULLieve we have our first player interview of 2013. Our very own Jamie Langley has agreed to become a BULLiever and has kindly given us his time to answer questions.

I am on the lookout for other potential interviewee’s with their own views in a section named “Around the ground” So far I have 2 sets of fans agreeing to take part, those are the Fat Dogs and Platt’s Barmy Army. Anyone interested in being part of BULLieve can contact me via twitter @BULLieve2013

 

Well thank you for giving up your time to take a read of BULLieve! I hope you enjoyed it and, please can I ask for feedback, good or bad and if you would kindly share BULLieve with others to get it spread far and wide to all Bulls fans?

Cheers BULLievers,

Jay.