Exclusive: No hitches expected by new Bulls’ owner Khan

The restaurant owner and associate Gerry Sutcliffe MP both ‘Tweeted’ on Friday night that they had completed a deal for the financially-crippled club – something administrator Brendan Guilfoyle confirmed.

However, the Rugby Football League put out a statement the following evening saying it had not yet completed due diligence into Khan’s consortium and was still waiting to receive the documentation required for its board to make a decision on whether to grant them membership.

But when the Yorkshire Post asked Khan – shortly before being introduced to the Odsal crowd ahead of Bull’s game against Hull FC on Saturday night – if that will present any complications, he insisted: “It will be done.

“There are no problems there. At the start of the week it will be sorted. This has been a long journey but it’s very pleasing that we’ve secured Bradford Bulls – not just that but Bradford’s heritage too which I’m very close to. It’s a community home and club which means a lot to the Bradford community.”

RFL director of standards and licensing Blake Solly said: “Whilst it is entirely understandable that Mr Khan has been keen to announce his purchase of Bradford Bulls from the administrator, he is aware we cannot formally grant membership until we have had sight of information which his bankers will supply on Monday or Tuesday.

“We remain hopeful this process will reach a conclusion in the early part of next week, allowing Bradford Bulls to enter a new chapter in their history.

“Whilst we do not anticipate any major problems, it is essential we make all the necessary checks before granting membership of the RFL to the new owners.”

A decision on which division the Bulls will operate in next season will be made at a later date.

Sutcliffe, meanwhile, says the new consortium will address staff – many of whom have been working free of charge for much of the 10 weeks since entering administration – this morning.

“It’s only right they hear our plans first,” he said.

“But the journey is not completed yet. The RFL has still to make a decision on our Super League status which is crucial to our long-term future.”