Bradford Bulls boss Kurt Haggerty fights back emotion after Super League comeback ends with wooden spoon

The Bulls won their first three home games in an encouraging start to the campaign but only four more victories followed.

Their fate was sealed at the foot of Super League with a 35-16 defeat at York Knights on Thursday night.

"It's very difficult to put into words how I feel," said Haggerty.

"I found it very difficult addressing the team at the end, knowing a lot of those players won't be in the team next year.

"It's been a rollercoaster. We knew exactly what it was going to look like. We've had some great days and some tough days.

"Tonight is going to leave a sour taste in my mouth for the rest of pre-season, which will drive me for next year.

"I just want to thank the group for the effort they've put in. I'm quite emotional so it's quite difficult to sum up how I feel."

The Bulls entered the final round in a four-way battle to avoid the wooden spoon but Castleford Tigers, Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants were all guaranteed to finish above them after the result at York.

Bradford's task was made all the more difficult by the injury problems that mounted throughout the season, with Haggerty repeatedly forced to work with a depleted squad.

"It's hard," he said after ending with the wooden spoon.

"I didn't want it for the club, the players or staff - I didn't want anybody to have that tag in the first year, especially after showing at the start what we could do with near enough a full-strength team.

"I don't want to make excuses because I'm not that kind of coach. I didn't want that tag for the club.

"I want finishing bottom to sting a bit and for it to drive pre-season. We'll have a new group of people coming in who are elite Super League players, which will drive standards.

"The environment will change, the whole club will change and things will get bigger and better."