Super League is gazumped by new offer for Bradford Bulls

Brendan Guilfoyle, partner at Leeds-based The P&A Partnership, says he has put a new, undisclosed offer to the Rugby Football League and is expecting an answer from them today.

It is the fourth offer Guilfoyle has received for the financially-stricken club, who have been in administration since June 26.

The RFL rejected a bid from a local group of businessmen known as the ABC consortium because it contained unacceptable conditions but they have yet to formally receive an offer from a separate consortium fronted by local MP Gerry Sutcliffe.

In an attempt to end the short-term uncertainty over the club’s future, Super League (Europe) stepped in last Thursday with an offer to buy the Bulls on behalf of the other 13 clubs but they could be “gazumped” by the latest offer.

Guilfoyle said: “I put the offer to the RFL last Friday and they will make their decision later on this afternoon.

“I understand the frustration of fans, players and staff that we haven’t sold the club yet.

“The administrators have a duty to creditors to aim to get the best deal possible so we submit all offers where funds are proved.

“This new offer is for more than Super League (Europe) Ltd put forward so we felt obliged to submit to the RFL for consideration.”

A spokesman for the RFL confirmed they have received the offer and executive officers carried out “due diligence” before making a recommendation to the board of directors.

The board are due to discuss their next move in a conference call, including chief executive Nigel Wood, who is in Australia, later today.