Bulls takeover talks carry on into next week

The Bulls’ change of ownership is thought to be close to completion after the London-based consortium fronted by businessman Richard Lamb had its offer accepted by the administrators.

But the final touches to the deal were still being applied last night and an announcement is now not expected until next week.

It means yet more frustration for coach Francis Cummins, who has seen three major players leave for rival clubs as a direct consequence of the club’s financial crisis and is currently able to make only loan signings to make up for the losses.

Cummins said: “We were hoping for the end of this week but it’s probably looking more like the start of next week now – that’s the only word I’ve had.

“I had a good meeting with the administrator last week but I’m not in regular contact with him because that’s not my job to be.

“My job is to prepare the rugby league team and I liaise with the likes of (chief executive) Robbie Hunter-Paul, who tells me what’s going on.”

Bradford, who go to Hull KR tomorrow, are currently bottom of Super League on minus two points after having six deducted for going into administration.

Lamb, whose company Lucid Events organised corporate hospitality for the 2013 World Cup, failed in his initial attempt to buy the Bulls last month.

Leeds-based administrator David Wilson instead accepted an offer from Bradford Bulls 2014 Ltd, which comprised former directors Mark Moore, Andrew Calvert, Ian Watt and Hunter-Paul.

When they withdrew their bid in protest at the Rugby Football League’s imposition of penalties, Lamb returned with a fresh offer and has emerged as the preferred bidder.