Takeover bid reports leave Hood puzzled

Bradford Bulls chairman Peter Hood has played down reports of a takeover bid which could potentially take them under one roof with footballing neighbours Bradford City.

Millionaire West Yorkshire businessman Steve Parkin wants to purchase both clubs to form a joint sporting entity in the city and to eventually build a purpose-built stadium for them to share.

Parkin, who was involved in talks to buy Wakefield earlier this year, has submitted a bid for the football club to joint-chairmen Mark Lawn and Julian Rhodes and was understood to have been in secret talks with representatives of both clubs for several weeks.

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“I have to say that is news to me,” said Hood. “Neither I nor any of the club’s directors has had any dialogue with Mr Parkin.

“Neither have we received any expression of interest on his behalf.

“The takeover question pops up from time to time and our answer is always the same – we will gladly sit down in confidence with any credible individual or consortium of would-be investors and listen to what he, she or they have to say.

“If Mr Parkin wishes to have that conversation he will be most welcome. In the meantime, we continue to engage with Bradford Council and with private developers with a view to turning Odsal into a stadium fully-fit for purpose for the 21st century.”