HAVE YOU MISSED US??
TIME TO CATCH UP.
Its well over 12 months since we brought you an issue of BULLieve, since our last edition the club has won the Yorkshire cup, and more importantly managed to get of league 1 at the first attempt, but the Bulls didn't have all their own way during the 2018 season, but we certainly had an enjoyable time visiting some very different grounds from what we have been used to over the seasons past.
Without dwelling too much though on last season, the club appears to have stability once again. Both on and off the field, albeit though and without causing any controversy think that the match day prices are a little too high compared to other championship sides. I personally would rather see more people getting through the gates every week. My opinion of course is that in my mind I would rather have 1,000 people at £15 per ticket than 300 paying £25, more people through the gates creates a better atmosphere, with children at £10 also and let under 5's in free along with any child that plays for a juniors club within Bradford. Anyway that's enough of that but its just my thinking of getting more people there on match day's to generate a good atmosphere, I appreciate we are a long way off returning to any former glories soon, but it would be nice if we could start building a fan base for the future. Overall I am also aware that even some Super League sides struggle to get big crowds on a weekly basis, and I believe that engagement with community clubs is vital for the future of rugby league as a whole.
YOUNG BULLS ON BRIDLINGTON BEACH
On a bitterly cold February morning where else better to train than the South side of bridlington beach. The club had sent over the Under19's and under 16's sides for a hard session led by coaches Leigh Beattie and Mark Dunning, I stood and watched in awe of these lads that never shied away from a challenge and certainly never gave up either. The beach session was to assist with fitness and conditioning along with team and character building. After watching these lads in the sub zero conditions, they certainly have a bright future ahead of them, whether in rugby or other fields they were certainly a credit to the club and most of all themselves.
OUR TRIBUTE TO PETER FOX
Peter was the eldest of 3 brothers from the mining village of Sharlston, near Wakefield of which all 3 of them had a huge influence in rugby league. Peter played for well over a decade with Featherstone, Hull K.R, Hunslet and 2 lengthy spells with Batley.
But it is a coach that Peter will fondly be remembered, having guided Featherstone Rovers to victory in the Challenge Cup against Bradford in 1973, and then winning the championship twice with Bradford.
He also went onto the position Great Britain and England coach and maintained a 100% record as Yorkshire Coach in the Rodstock war of the roses series from 1985-1991.
After leaving Featherstone he went onto coach Wakefield from 1974-1976 and then steered Bramley to promotion to Division 1.
Then he was to take charge of Bradford Northern, where in his first season won the premiership, Northern were first division champions 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons, during his first spell also included bringing the Yorkshire cup and John player trophy to Odsal.
In May 1985 Peter moved to arch rivals Leeds but he was sacked the following Christmas Eve after a reasonably frustrating spell, after which he returned to Rovers and secured promotion for the men in featherstone. After 5 seasons he was appointed again at Bradford where he finished a glittering coaching career in the 1994-95 season.
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| Peter with Bob Haigh after Northern won the Premiership Trophy in 1978 |
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| Peter giving instructions to his northern side. |
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| A programme from my own collection from the 80/81 season. |
Peter's final involvement with Rugby league was director of football of Wakefield in the early 2000's
Peter we thank you for everything and most of all RIP.
2019 season so far.
So 2019 so far looks quite promising. We're far from being where we want to be at the moment, and after being ravaged with injuries for the past few games with no recognised half back combination, the boys have really dug in deep.
Bulls started the pre season quite well by bringing home the Yorkshire cup, and we are doing reasonably well in the league too with only 4 losses, after being where we have I feel, we must remember that before we challenge for a serious push to Super league the club needs further stability, with resources to call upon, the academy side is a huge credit to the club bringing in some raw talent and passion to play for Bradford, and pull on our famous jersey.
At the time of writing this article we go onto face Featherstone Rovers in the Challenge cup on 14th April 2019. After which there is a heavy schedule coming up over the Easter period, with Halifax away and Barrow at odsal.
We can't finish without mentioning the ladies team also whom also, on there last outing beating a spirited Featherstone Rovers 38-16 at home with Amy Hardcastle and stacey Greenwood scoring hat-tricks.
You can check out the gameday guide for tommorow by following the link
Gameday Guide
Also don't forget if your children are at a loose end then the Bulls do have the Easter camp running during the holidays
So this edition is more of a catch up and to let all our readers and followers know that we are still around. We still have massive passion for the club, like all the fans we want nothing more too than a return to glory days, we truly BULLieve and will continue to do so. the club need the fans to get behind the team.
KEEP THE FAITH AND BULLieve. We will.
Views written in this blog are those of the writer and are in no way linked in any way to the Bradford bulls, all research is performed independently and is deemed to be correct at the time of publication.
