BULLieve
8TH March 2013
Welcome to
another edition of the weekly Bradford Bulls article BULLieve.
This week we
have seen some big changes at the Provident Stadium. Firstly, we would like to
welcome the newest Director of the board, Jay Willey.
Bradford
businesswoman Jay Willey is poised to join the board of directors at the Bulls
after agreeing to pump a “six-figure” sum into the club in return for a
significant shareholding.
The
41-year-old from Holme Wood owns the European arm of cosmetics firm Kroma and
has vowed to bring a touch of “glitz and glamour” to the Bulls.
A lifelong fan, Willey approached Omar Khan
after his purchase of the club last September and discussions began over a
potential role at the Provident Stadium.
Jay has been
working with Omar on a voluntary basis and this has progressed into her
deciding she would like to become an investor of the club and adding funds in
return for a place on the director’s board. Jay knows her investment will not
bring back immediate money but said “I want to see the club grow on and off the
field and this kind of investment can help achieve that. We’re very family
orientated and at the moment we’re looking at some new disabled facilities
being installed.
For me it’s about giving something back to the
fans because they were so incredibly supportive during the club’s financial
troubles last year. Ultimately, we want to see the Bulls competing with the
bigger clubs again”.
Jay is
looking forward to working with Kate Hardcastle who pledged 20 days of her time
to become a non-Executive Director at the Bulls which, Can only be a good
thing. Having women as directors at the club is showing that equality is also
part and parcel of our mainly male orientated game.
Ryan Whitcut
Bulls General Manager had this to say about Jay,
“It’s
fantastic news that Jay, a true Bradfordian, has voiced her intention to invest
both time and money into the club. It has always been Omar’s plan to make part
of the Bradford Bulls available to the Bradford community and the supporters.”
The money
investment is a bonus form Jay and both Jay and Kate are hardworking no
nonsense women and, Have a wealth of experience. Things within the club and
community links are once again closer than ever and, I am trying to engage with
all Bulls fans directly from the club to forge even better club/fan
interaction.
On the back
of this, Omar Khan has revealed this week that shares in the club will become
available to fans and businesses. Omar will remain the majority shareholder
keeping control of the ever rising club but insists,
“I want the
fans and community to be involved in the club, so I have decided to release
some shares and let them be part of the club,”
Whilst
speaking to Omar and the other directors in the Coral stand, this is something
everyone is backing and are very passionate about the club becoming a community
club.
Omar is not
just a business man who owns a rugby club, Omar is a very passionate Bradford
Bulls fan and has been for over 20 years.
Omar has
told me the club is financially secure so please don’t think that because
shares will become available, It is because we are in financial trouble again
as this is not the case.
More information
on Share prices and availability will be released within this coming week.
Friday night
came along very quickly, and the Bulls academy and 1st team faced
the Widnes Vikings in each of their matches.
The curtain
raiser saw the academy side play with key man, John Bateman playing for the
full 80 minutes and scoring a hat trick in the process which should surely mean
he will be in the 1st team squad next week.
The academy
side played some very good rugby and took full advantage of John Bateman’s
vigour and determination. The side came out winners with a score line of Widnes
Vikings 16 – Bradford Bulls 46.
The wait was
over, the state of the art I Pitch was all set for what turned out to be a game
of two halves.
The Bulls
came out strong and looking in great shape for the first half commanding play
and, building a lead of 20 – 4 going to the break.
Some great
plays meant Elliot Whitehead, Brett Kearney, Matt Diskin and Keith Lulia all
scored with Jarrod Sammut converting 1 goal attempt and kicking a penalty.
Controversially
Gareth Hock saw red for reportedly swearing at the officials after Matt Diskin’s
try was awarded on the half hour mark.
While ex
Bull Patrick Ah Van was the only try scorer for the home team and couldn’t
convert his try.
The second
half beckoned and the fans were in a jubilant mood and must have thought the
Bulls had wrapped the game up. Widnes down to 12 men and 16 points down could
they come back?
Just 4
minutes into the second half, Rhys Hanbury was on hand to score the home team’s
first of 3 tries. Not long after the Vikings were in again this time Patrick Ah
Van down the left side for his second of the game. The Vikings were putting the
Bulls under a lot of pressure and, only a relieving penalty gave the Bulls some
breathing time. 40 metres out Jarrod Sammut lined up to take the kick at goal which
would prove pivotal. Widnes hit back through White and was now only 2 points
behind. A penalty for offside then gave Ah Van an opportunity, which he did not
miss to level it up and despite drop goal efforts from Addy and Hanbury that is
the way it stayed.
The Bulls
have reported that Matty Blythe and Chev Walker picked up ankle knocks whilst,
Jamie Langley has a groin strain.
After the
match Francis Cummins had this to say,
“This is
probably a little awakening for the boys. We had a great win on Sunday at
Huddersfield and were very smart – but we weren’t tonight. The referee didn’t
miss the tackles; he didn’t try and offload when we were in silly positions.
We’re not into excuses.”
Final score
Widnes Vikings 22 – Bradford Bulls 22
Attendance
5,861.
Next up we
have Hull Kingston Rovers at the Provident Stadium on Sunday 17TH
March 2013 kick off 3PM.
If you
cannot wait that long and fancy watching the academy side, the under 19s are
playing at odsal on Thursday, kick off 7.30 and food will be on sale.
Events at
the Provident Stadium.
Friday 15Th
March
The Bulls
will be holding another of their popular Comedy Nights on Friday 15th March in
the Coral Stand.
MC is Sam Brady with 3 support acts Chris
Schofield, Joseph Wilson and third TBC Headline act Andy Watson. A good night
out is guaranteed!!
Tickets are just £5 when purchased in advance,
or £7 on the night.
Doors Open 7pm / Show starts 8pm
To book your ticket call 07854 551742, email
makemelaughcomedy@live.com or contact the ticket office.
Coming soon,
More Car
Boot sales at the Provident Stadium. No dates as of yet but, There will be
plenty of notice for both buyers and sellers alike.
Special
Thanks go to Omar Khan, Simon Kenny, Vipin Joshi and Ryan Whitcut.
Once again I
thank each and every reader because without you, there is no weekly article.
Until next
week,
Take care
and keep BULLieving.
Jay Leeming
Bradford
Bulls Promoter.
