A Trip Down Memory Lane

Wow, what can we say about the Wigan game? It was a superb game in which if we are honest, most fans thought we would get another thumping but NO! The boys worked very very hard for each other and won a hard fought battle against last years super league winners. Pride and passion was shown from all the boys wearing our Bulls shirts. The support was awesome and the scenes of jubilation and pride on every fan in attendance was second to none.

You can see highlights of the amazing game by clicking the link; Bulls beat Wigan

Brett Kearney was knocked out and suffered concussion and a result of this means he will miss this Friday's clash with our arch rivals, Leeds Rhinos. 

Lets all pack Headingley  Stadium as we go down with fighting spirit and remind Super League what they are going to be missing!

As we go down to the championship we take with us a list of honours including;

Super League winners:

1997, 2001, 2003, 2005

Challenge Cup winners:

1905-06, 1943-44, 1946-47, 1948-49, 2000, 2003

World Club Challenge winners:

2002, 2004, 2006.

Our longest winning streak was between 18th Aug 1996 and 22nd Aug 1997 with an impressive 21 matches.

Our longest win less streak was between 14th May 2010 and 13th Aug 2010 going win less in 11 matches.

Highest points in a Super League game came against Salford City Reds with a hugely impressive 96 points on Sunday 25th June 2000.

One of the highlights of our top flight rugby came on 3rd August 1999 when we held the highest super league crowd record of 24,020 inside Odsal and beat the Leeds Rhinos 19-18.

Producing some of the great players who, are either part of a team or coaching in and around Super League the Bulls legacy will always live on in Super League even if we as a competing team are not.

Yes its hard to take in but, its the start of another chapter in which we could continue to gather honours and be majorly successful in the championship.

The rebuild has started and the 2 new signings of Jake Mullaney and Dan Fleming can only be a good thing. Yes we are going to lose players to other Super League clubs and I don't blame them! We have such an array of talent on show that now other clubs will be approaching them and offering them what we cannot. We have however managed to so far keep hold of Lee Gaskell and Dale Ferguson. That in itself shows that their is a unity within the Bulls camp and hopefully we have a few more to add to that list within the next few days.

Looking back.

Tom's pic from his personal collection.

This week I felt it was fitting that, as we play Leeds we look back at that exciting and record breaking night in which 24,020 fans watched a thrilling game in which the Bulls came out victors in a much rivalled derby day 19 points to 18.

Here is a recollection by Jay.

I was at that very match and as a teenager it felt weird yet normal as my mother used to take me to all the home games and paid every time where my friends all had season tickets. My parents used to say the club got more cash by paying each game rather than season ticket yet, in all honesty it was that she couldn't pay a lump sum for a season ticket. The sights, sounds and smells were amazing! Waving to Bullman and getting soaked by the guy in the suit (Molecule Man) were normal and the smells of the food stalls and fireworks was a world away from where we are today. 

The Bullman's parade was such a highlight with hundreds of people all joining in and cars and trucks, local companies and the such like. Free mini rugby balls were thrown into the crowd and all the young children would chase Bullman along the shouting "me, me". 

Standing there waving my flag, wearing my cap and scarf along with the Bulls top made me such a proud fan! Then came the war cry, "COME ON YOU BULLS!" such a loud noise, all in unison and chanting with gusto, pride and full on effort roaring the boys on was spine tingling great! The atmosphere was to rival anything I have ever witnessed in my life. The Leeds fans were superb in voice and was always sporting in their loss. I went home and put 2 flags in the back of my bike and drove around the streets for hours!

I will forever treasure that amazing night and hope that one day in my lifetime I will be part of such a perfect experience.

Tom's recollection,
 I have seen a few Bradford-Leeds derbies but the one that stands out for me most has to be the record crowd at odsal what an amazing night it turned out to be.  The atmosphere was just electric it was something that if you were not there its hard to explain to be involved in the euphoria and to be a bulls fan that worked with lots of rhinos at that time made it so special. I recall the first half not really going Bradford's way and the bulls having a try disallowed then there was an amazing kick from McNamara to Nathan Mcavoy wow that was just amazing to be totally honest around this part I was just in heaven and as I said the atmosphere was electric. the last moments my there were tense but all of a sudden withers a drop goal well I jumped and jumped lost my keys beer went everywhere I couldn't talk for days after all the cheering shouting etc it was just amazing, waving the flag with pride and bragging rights. To go on for so many years and to dominate like we did was superb, then to go to the potential last game ever at odsal also made it more memorable as once again we beat the rhinos. Theres the challenge cup victory in 2003 the bulls my heart and always will no matter where we go I shall follow and sing and support COYB we will be back soon Leeds. This is also how I came to be involved with BULLieve as I met Jay and Sami between Bulls and Rhinos at Headingly that was a good night indeed best not forget Rob too I thank jay for giving me the opportunity to share my passion of the bulls through this page.

You can watch highlights if the famous win by clicking this link Bulls record crowd and beat Leeds 03/09/1999

Fans Interaction

This week we have received an Email from lifelong fan Gareth Dawson.

"This picture is from the famous "save our club" game against Leeds, the first time we faced extinction.

Back row: Myself (wearing my old school Northern shirt), My cousin Tom, Owen (my eldest) and, my Dad, Paul.
Stood in front of me is Morgan (my youngest).
Taking the picture is my wife Su (a fellow die hard Bull).
You'll noticed that Owen and my Dad are both wearing City colours - they're both massive football fans but have the Bulls in their hearts all the same.

Not only was the day historically significant for the club, and the match highly memorable, but it was historic for me and my family.

It was the first match I watched at Odsal with my dad (though I'd been going since me teens), the first Odsal home game I'd been to with Tom and, possibly most historically, it was the only time in history that 3 generations of the Dawson family had attended Odsal ;-).

That game means so much to me I thought I'd share it."

Thank you Gareth for your interaction and continued support! This picture just shows how much a family game Rugby League actually is and, how our passion is passed on to different generations and how our game as a whole CAN attract new fans.

We also received a recollection from one of our regular Tweeters - @BD_Angry who sent this fantastic email;

I’d been waiting for this, like every season: Bradford v Leeds; Bulls v Rhinos. The 
enormity of the match grew and grew – the biggest derby and two outstanding 
teams competing not just for two points, but for pride, for bragging rights, for the 
crown of West Yorkshire. Everyone knew this was going to be big… but how big?  
Free buses were put on from the city centre and I knew that I’d have no chance 
getting a ride back along Halifax Rd and could only hope and pray that my long 
walk would be after a win. 
Nerves set in on the Monday as phone calls flew around – which pub? what time? 
And, sickeningly, tempting fate with every syllable – what score?
Nerves grew and grew until they crescendoed at a size to match the massive 
crowd which greeted me as I passed through the turnstiles. The nerves subsided 
for a few seconds as I heard the chants, saw the colours flying high – blue & 
amber and red, amber & black, a heady mixture – and felt, not heard, the noise. I 
stood for a second just to look, to try and take it in, but the sights and sounds 
defied understanding and description. 
We were ready, the Bulls were ready and Bradford was ready to take the 
accolades: beating Leeds, taking Leeds’ record for biggest crowd, and cementing 
a place atop the league. 
The first half was a blur. Low scoring but thrilling – and Leeds hadn’t read the 
script. 10-0 down, then 12-2, it seemed that Leeds just wanted it that bit more. 
Robbie Paul’s mercurial run ending in Pryce’s try that wasn’t seemed to sum up 
the night so far, with Leeds being just on top… but it was the runs, Paul and 
Deacon twisting, turning, leaving Leeds’ men stood still, that was to be the 
leitmotif. 
Suddenly, the Bulls were awake… and hungry. 
The seesaw swung this way and that, but, with failing voice still screaming, I sang 
and sang and shouted and shouted. Every tackle was a victory to be cheered; 
each half-break bringing a roar; each call against a desecration and each call for 
proof that we are the righteous. 
When Vaikona took Deacon’s pass to scythe through Leeds’ defence, my voice 
was wrecked, my knees stung from jumping but the joy lifting us all was a drug 
which soothed sore throats and energised the throng. 
18-18 with minutes to go - a fine result, worthy of two teams who had given no 
quarter, not an inch, nor taken a single backwards step; a result worthy of the 
two best teams in the competition followed by the best, the loudest and the most 
fans. 
Stand up Mick Withers. To win a special game, it takes a special man and a 
special piece of magic. 

WOW! Thank you for such a fantastic recollection of such a special night, it will forever be a part of us and will continue to be one of our best super league moments for years to come.

Special Mentions

First of all I would like to give my co-writer Tom Fynn and his family a very special mention. We met on Facebook through the Bradford Bulls Banter group where it was asked who was going to the Leeds game at Headingley a couple of years back. Me, my Mrs, Rob Beezley and Tom all met for the game. We went to the ground and met Rob and then rang Tom to find out where he was, we walked around to the front of the ground where I suggested we went for a drink as, not met in person before. We went to the Royal Oak where we had a drink or 3 and then proceeded to the ground. We were all packed in like sardines but didn't care! We was on the brink of liquidation and turned up in force. Since then, Me and our family's instantly bonded and now class each other as family. We are in daily contact and have even been to Tom's a few times and spent some time in Brid. Bulls for me is not just a team, or club it is pure passion and family! From this things have gone from strength to strength hence how you are reading this blog.

Pictured is Tom at the Hull FC game under the BULLieve name.

Through our name BULLieve Tom managed to get press passes for both Hull FC and Hull KR which is only a good thing as, we are doing this blog for YOU the fans.

As you maybe aware, our good friends @SuperLeaguePod have recorded yet another superb podcast this week. please click the link to listen and then give them a follow on Twitter. here is the link, This week's podcast

Last but not least, our special mention goes to YOU!, Yes you reading this blog. You help us to continue writting for you and by spreading the word keeps us going so, THANK YOU!
If you like what you have read then please give us a follow on Twitter - @BULLieve2013

Tweets

It has been apparent that we get so many tweets to @BULLieve2013 that we should mention some in YOUR blog.

We tweeted; We does 24,020 mean to YOU? #BULLieve. here are our reactions,

@Becky1782 said THE best atmosphere and game at Odsal.. beating Leeds... amazing.

@BD_Angry quoted our tweet and said Best.Match.Ever!

@shoddynmungo said it means i was proud to be part of it

@yrokiewright70 said that game v Leeds..Withers drop goal, record attendance for #superleague at that time.

@odsal2002 said best derby in the world good times Btid.......

@diski253 said Let's hope and pray we can experience that again-looking forward to the meeting tomorrow night #RebuildingtheBulls

Our Tweet of the week goes to 

@RLBP_ with this Tweet 

Great win for the Bulls today 

Thank you for reading and please if you will, RT and share our link and let everyone know about our blog. ALL feedback is very much welcomed and anything you think we have missed please let us know!

Until next time,

Don't stop BULLieving!

Championship, here we come!

This is a very, very turbulent time for us all. From the players, staff and us fans going through the motions, from last weeks display of a near win to this weeks dismal first half display against the side at the top of the table. 

Don't get me wrong, there was a twenty minute spell where the Bulls showed some great spirit and pride but, the first half was extremely poor and conceding 46 points was just bad. 

The final scoreline didn't tell the whole story. The Bulls were down, out, and back on the coach in the first half as Saint Helens  just trounced us to a 28-0 half time scoreline. The second half began much as the first had finished, Saints came out firing and scored within 9 minutes and we all thought it would be 80 points + but, back came the Bulls. Tries from Luke Gale, Joe Arundel, Adrian Purtell, and Jamie Foster all contributed to the mini come back. Whilst we knew the game was gone, it was about pride and passion and giving something back to the travelling fans who, despite the score continued to sing and cheer on the lads. Final score Saint Helens 46-22 Bradford Bulls.

We are now all well aware of our fate and know that the only place we are heading is to the Championship. We still need to support the lads despite where we play or who is left at the club come the end of the season. 

As I tweeted Marc Green, now is the time to sign up our talented players who want to stay at the club. We are aware players WILL leave and yes as the saying goes "money talks". Family must come first and then there are mortgages and utility bills along with various other things. Put yourself in there position and ask yourself this; 

"Would I rather have a five pound note or a twenty pound note?" 

As we drop into the Championship next season, there is going to be a new "Magic Weekend" for the Championship clubs held in Blackpool and all I keep saying ( in the meerkat voice) is "Blackpool here we come!"

The off field problems are not going away and, we should let the whole points debacle go! Also I have been reading tweets and seeing events advertised by most other super league clubs and have been asking why we have not done the same? I do not have the answers but it is to be hoped that Marc Green can let us know? All I can see on the Bulls site is a golfing day which costs £350 for a team of 3 with a Bulls player. In our current climate most fans would not be able to afford this which, in my opinion is targeted at the richer of us.

Why don't we bring the marketing back to basics and re-introduce the bring a friend for a fiver or even free? We NEED to engage with all fans and bring them back to our stadium to support the lads. Without the support there is no club, no revenue and that would be the end of us. These coming weeks are the test of how we can attract new supporters and also bring back the stay away fans! We can only do this by giving incentives such as concessions and all under 16's go free. Tempting people to walk through the gates and not walk past is going to be vital.

Please continue to support the lads this Sunday as we travel to the John Smiths stadium to take on the Huddersfield Giants.

Ex Bulls Interview Special

As you may have been aware, this week we were due to have "Champagne" Shontayne Hape for our ex Bulls interview.

Unfortunately Shontayne has been extremely busy and we regret to inform you that, this week there will not be an interview. We will however, bring you more interviews with ex players and will have Shontayne's in the very near future.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Just for Fun

Here is just a little section to try cheer us all up! This week we have a pic and are wondering if you can guess where it is?

Looking back

We have decided that we will be doing a looking back section here on the blog and will be using old programs and various other information looking back to our Northern and early Bulls days.

If you would like a certain game or memory in our blog please tweet us or let us know via Facebook.

This week I have chosen the Websters Yorkshire Cup game between Bradford Northern and Castleford from my own collection.

The game was held at Headingley on Saturday,3rd October 1981.

The man in the middle was Mr. R. Whitfield of Widnes the touch judges were Mr. G. Crisp and Mr. B. Robinson both from Leeds. The reserve ref was Mr. R.Campbell of Widnes.

The teams on the day were 

Unfortunately Northern lost the final to Castleford 10-5. Our only try came through Alan Parker and converted by Ellery Hanley. Tries for Martin Ketteridge and John Joyner both converted by David Finch sealed the win. 

The White Rose Man of the Match was awarded to Castleford prop - Barry Johnson.

The scores back in the day were awarded as follows. Three points for a try, two for a conversion and one for a drop goal.

The  attendance for the final was 5,876.

Here is a team photo of the 1981 Yorkshire Cup Runners Up - Bradford Northern

Special mentions

Here at BULLieve we rely on interaction from YOU the fans as part of this we would like to give special mentions to people celebrating birthdays, weddings etc.  If you would like a mention then please don't hesitate to Tweet us or contact us via Facebook.

Happy  Birthday to our very own Adam O'Brien who turned 21 on Friday. The result wasn't good but we hope you had a good birthday despite that.

A very happy birthday to Micah Manuokafoa who turned 17 on  last Thursday and says July babies rule!

Pictured is Adam Henry, Micah Manuokafoa and his dad Manase Manuokafoa.

Very happy birthday to life long fan and season ticket holder John Witney who turned 43 on last Saturday.

We would like to give a special mention to a great account on Twitter this week, @superleaguepod.

These two lads (Mark and Tom) report on all things super league and is a voluntary role like our blog.

For a full round up of Rugby League news and results give Super League Pod a listen. Search for it on iTunes and Facebook and also give them a follow on Twitter and if you tweet them you could get a mention on the Pod cast!

Massive congratulations this week to Wyke ARLFC  on making it to wembley through the Tetleys pass it on competition tweet and mention. The team will be at webley for the Tetleys challenge cup final.

All permission has been sought to post pictures from the people we have mentioned this week.

Last but not least, Me and Tom would like to thank everyone of you who read, RT and share our blog! So far we have had over 18,000 views and we continue to get hits daily. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Until next week, have a great weekend and, don't stop BULLieving!

Shaun Ainscough Interview

Welcome to this weeks edition of BULLieve.
In this weeks edition we have an interview with Shaun Ainscough which will be your questions and answers you have all sent in. July is going to be a difficult month for the Bulls with the forthcoming fixtures St Helens away on July 11th and then followed by Huddersfield Giants away on the 20th and then last but no means least Wigan at Odsal 27th July. I am sure we can all remember the reverse fixture lets hope its not the same score line again. This week Jimmy Lowes has come out and stated that both Luke George and Jamie foster still have roles to play within the squad. Despite the signing of Danny Williams, Jamie is still training hard and being a true professional.
Leon Pryce has been in talks with the bulls but due to our impending predicament of relegation has opted to sign for Hull fc. may be if our super league status would have been more secure his career would have ended at the bulls, being the true professional he wishes the bulls all the best. "I would definitely come back to play for Bradford if they were in super league there would not have been much to think about".
New signing Danny Williams is hoping for a permanent move to Odsal and is convinced the Bulls will bounce straight back if relegated. His season at Salford has been frustrating as there are constantly new personnel coming in all the time, the boys at the bulls have made him feel very welcome and is very thankful.
Also with the bulls impending relegation seeming certain Elliot kear is looking to safeguard his future as he is due to become a father. The winger who has scored 8 tries this season was dropped from the squad after yesterdays defeat against Catalan dragons. With his child due in November he is looking for some security Elliot has been a resounding success since joining the bulls and is very happily settled in west Yorkshire but with the drop impending could mean a drop in pay, and a potential move away from the bulls.
Moving onto the game yesterday the bulls were back and in some fine fashion too this was Jimmys homecoming and he had certainly instilled some belief and passion into the players who never gave up fighting after half time the bulls did seem off the pace slightly but never gave up certainly a trait of our new head coach. at times the bulls were back to there best with great forward power and passing that was just true brilliance at least if we are relegated jimmy was right we will go down fighting it was just a shame it had to be Elliot Whitehead to put the nail in the coffin for this game. the possible turning point was Catalans try just before half time when duport went in unchallenged to score from 20m out it was a cruel result for the bulls who really fought with pride and passion the tackling had purpose the forwards ran hard and belief is creeping its way back into odsal even jimmy has changed the changing rooms. Jimmy has gone to press saying that relegation is not in the conversation and that commitment must stay.
 Now here is the interview with Shaun Ainscough . Thanks for all your questions.

Q1. Would you come back to the bulls?
A Yes I would come back to the bulls I wanted too when I moved to Australia.

Q2. what were your best and worst moments with the bulls?
A Best moment was the Wigan win in all odds against us no money not getting paid no one have us a hope but we stuck together and made us stronger. Worst moment was leaving I wanted to stay and only realised a few month after what a mistake I made and regret making the decision but would never change as I met some really good people in Australia an loved every minute over there.

Q3. During the difficult period how did you all manage to stick together?
A in a way we had to stick together as we never knew what would happen next so we had to stick together we had to make decisions and put forward what we wanted it just made us closer as a team.

Q4. Do you still speak to anyone at the bulls and do you think Francis made a mistake when you made our intentions clear you wanted to come back?
A Not really have the odd twitter message with them that's about it, I don't think he made a mistake he had his team and there was no room for me, or maybe he didn't see me in his plans.

Q5. Who would be the best player you have ever played with?
A Best player would have to be Trent Robinson only had a few friendlies with him but what a guy. I looked up to Jason Robinson I remember when my mum first took me watching him at central park fell in love with the guy next game I remember getting a shirt with Robinson on the back out of a bargain bucket never had it off.

Q6. Do you have any match day rituals?
A don't really have any rituals I just go through the same stretching and have my back massaged.

Q7. If you could play alongside any player who would it be?
A I would love to play alongside Beau Ryan even though he's not in super league he seems so funny and seems a great bloke.

Q8. When you weren't  playing what was your motivation?
A My motivation was my little man Archie I was on match bonus so when I played I got paid I wanted to give my family a better life they were my motivation.

Q9. Who in your opinion are the best team in super league and why?, and most of all can the bulls stay up or are we resigned to relegation?
A At this time its pretty hard to pick as there is a lot of inconsistency on current record. The relegation is out of the bulls hands now but need to build for next year focus on that and rebuild and get back into super league its a great club with great fans and deserve super league status.

Q10. why did you put save the bulls on your vest at wigan?
A I put it onto prove we care as a team and we needed to be saved and what a game to have it on. wigan shit on me a bit and made me cherish that game even more I just wanted to do what I could as its still the best club with the best fans too.

Q11. What did Mick Potter instill into the players during those times?
A There not much he could do the guy was doing it for free we were playing for our futures to pay for houses we didn't know know what was to happen maybe playing well to impress other clubs just in case we were to fold those factors played a massive part.

Thank you to Shaun for this exclusive interview and may we all wish his sister Kelly a very happy birthday on 17th july.

Stuart Reardon has been spotted in Edinburgh this weekend getting a few ladies knickers in a twist. Stuart has been raising money for a charity.
for the lady readers you may have read some of her books Jodi ellen malpas author of this man.

 Well that's all from us here tonight at BULLieve I really hope you have enjoyed it. Take  care all and remember this BULLieve  and goodnight.

By Thomas Fynn

Welcome to this weeks of edition of BULLieve 

First of all may I apologise for the delay but had a few server issues to contend with which thank goodness are now sorted. We were hoping for an interview with Nathan mcavoy but appears to have gone under the radar for now. Moving on it's been a turbulent time once again for the bulls change of coach and to be fair to Francis did he deserved to be sacked. This guy worked through some difficult times and maybe not the best owner in Omar khan who promised everything but to no fruition and if I'm brutally honest destroyed the name of the bradford bulls how the mighty have fallen but of course we all BULLieve. 

Testing times are now happening at odsal it certainly appears we will be in the championship next season despite Marc green taking the 6 point deduction to the high court obviously he believes an injustice has been done for him to take it this far, should we get the points back we are still way off the pace at the moment lack of forwards just a general lack of players to rotate in all honesty. 

We now have the one and only great Jimmy Lowes at our helm a true legend of the bulls with his never say die attitude but he needs more playing staff in our opinion. It's going to take time to rebuild. So we went to Warrington under jimmy first game in charge it was not the result we wanted but despite that the bulls showed moments of brilliance and even the result didn't reflect it we had the 2 best tries in the match after all what these guys have gone through it's no wonder there heads are down losing just becomes a fashion as does winning and the lads are lacking confidence one win could just change it all. 

On some good news Danny Williams has signed for us on a months loan from Salford but where does this leave foster as now it's 5 games without a match but foster has tweeted that he may be considering a union switch. 

Adam o brien has stated his intention of staying at the bulls despite the fact of relegation this lad has some serious talent and under jimmy has a very big future ahead of him, diskin is still undecided on his future but has made his intentions clear and would rather be at bulls than anywhere else. If we do drop to championship could be a valuable asset as coach for the younger lads. 

We have tried to sign Leon price but with the clubs future looking uncertain in super league has opted for hull FC Leon dud state that he would love to finish where he began but seemingly not meant to be. 

There is no quick fix to out current situation that's for sure but with jimmy in charge who knows we are just going to have to do one thing and that is BULLieve. In some other news from the bulls, 

DID you know you could be just a few clicks away from making huge savings on your energy bills and securing fantastic Team Shop discount with BULL POWER?

Bulls star Chev Walker has this week saved almost £250 on his gas and electricity bills, by signing up to the new and enterprising initiative.

On average, our customers have saved over £130* on their annual energy bills!

So why not join the craze and SWITCH, SAVE and EARN today?

Walker said: “BULL POWER has allowed me to make fantastic savings on my gas and electric bills.

“It literally took around five minutes to sign up and, before I knew it, everyone was done – and I had saved!

“I would recommend the service to every Bradford Bulls supporter, allowing us all to save cash and earn it for both the club and themselves.”

BULL POWER is a groundbreaking, free and easy-to-use cost comparison site, perfect for all of your household energy needs.

A first of its kind in rugby league, it searches the market to offer you the best prices for both gas and electricity. The process could not be easier.

All you have to do is CLICK HERE to visit the official BULL POWER website – with a copy of your most recent energy bills – and provide a few details.

Our site then will provide you with a whole host of prices from different suppliers, detailing the great savings you can make on your household bills.

Should you find a great deal and wish to proceed with switching either your gas supplier, electricity supplier – or both – then we will reward you with a fantastic 25% discount on official merchandise in our all-new Provident Stadium Team Shop.

Not only does switching provide you with this fantastic benefit, for each switch made the club you support benefits financially.

This means your money savings can help support the future of Bradford Bulls. Thank you for reading this weeks BULLieve I've had a few issues and had to edit but I hope you all enjoy NEVER STOP BULLieving