McDermott to auction memorabilia to boost Bradford fund

BRADFORD Bulls’ desperate fight to avoid going bust has already made significant process with more than £100,000 pledged to their appeal last night.

Barely 36 hours after announcing they required £1m to continue in business, half of which is needed before a Good Friday deadline, the Super League club reported they had surpassed six figures.

The response from supporters has been rapid and has been aided by Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott’s offer to auction his shirt and winner’s medal from the 2000 Challenge Cup final when he helped Bradford defeat his current side.

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Bulls will today allow ex-England international Paul Sykes to join Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on loan until the end of the season but say it is not a sign of them cutting players to cut costs and aid their finance drive.

While certainly one of their higher earners, the club had been trying to off-load the 30-year-old since the close season after the goal-kicking stand-off fell down Mick Potter’s pecking order, illustrated by his demotion to squad No 28.

Sykes, ironically, has played the last two games but will go straight into the Wakefield squad for Saturday’s match at former club London Broncos. Bradford have no recall option in the deal.

Potter’s sole focus, meanwhile, is concentrating his remaining players’ minds fully on tomorrow night’s Super League fixture at Hull FC following a turbulent few days.

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“It was a shock hearing the news but I’ve been in these sorts of predicaments before where clubs are strapped for cash and struggling to keep going,” he said.

“I have found, though, that most seem to pull through okay; what seems like a mountain to climb, in the end doesn’t seem so bad.

“I’m concerned, as everyone should be, but not panicking.”

Potter has France captain Olivier Elima and Australian centre Adrian Purtill returning from suspension and illness respectively but sees Ben Jeffries (hamstring) and Chev Walker (arm) pull out,

“I think the players will be a little distracted and why wouldn’t they be?” he continued. “Their potential livelihoods are at stake and it’s something we will need to focus on when they are here.

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“We need to get them to focus on this particular job because this is what they are good at and that’s how they get their income.”

While delighted at the response to their plight, Bradford stress much more aid is still needed and have launched a ‘virtual ticket’ for next week’s Super League game against Leeds at Odsal.

The Good Friday fixture – which they maintain could be their last if the target is not met – will be the conclusion of a week-long series of fund-raising efforts with McDermott’s donation going up for grabs at an auction at Odsal the previous evening.

However, for people who cannot attend the game, Bulls are selling £20 ‘virtual tickets’ which will show they are with the struggling club “in spirit”.