Why moving back to Odsal will boost Bradford Bulls’ Super League prospects

The former World Club champions have missed out on promotion after Leigh Centurions were selected ahead of them and Championship rivals York City Knights, Featherstone Rovers, Toulouse Olympique and London Broncos for the 12th spot in Super League next season. An independent panel reached the decision but Sawyer says Bradford – relegated from the top-flight in 2014 – are not deterred in their bid to eventually return.

Their next chance to do that is via the solitary promotion place on the pitch next season and Bulls – who have been playing at Dewsbury Rams’ Tetley’s Stadium – feel a return to traditional home Odsal will aid that push.

On hearing the news their submission to replace Toronto Wolfpack had failed, Sawyer insisted: “It wasn’t overly disappointing as Leigh had a great bid; it wasn’t surprising they won. Bradford has something to offer but you could argue each and every club has. We wish them all the best.

“We’re just glad the Super League clubs agreed to take a team up so there was a promotion opportunity for one of us.

“I do think we are ready (for Super League) now but, as we move down the road, I’d like to think the club would be in a better position as time goes along.

“We still aim to get back into Odsal as quickly as we can. That’s an important goal: to get Bradford back in the city.”

Talks are ongoing with the Rugby Football League who own the stadium lease and have already sanctioned a return of stock car racing to the ground.

Sawyer – who says the club could also still add a couple of new signings for 2021 – added: “We’ve nearly done a deal with the RFL and (Bradford) Council.

“We’re hoping to have concluded that by the end of December and we have people moving in to do work from the club and the stock car operator.”

Sawyer, chairman of Championship rivals Dewsbury Rams, hopes Nigel Wood – who took over the Bulls with his family last year – will also take on a more active role after retiring as International Rugby League chief executive.

“I’d like to think so,” he said, about the ex-RFL chief executive.

“He’s some loose ends to tie up with his international job and we decided to leave it to see which division we’re in before we decide what we’d like him to do to try and help Bradford. He’ll make a decision and I’d like to think he’d increase his role; I’d definitely be in favour of that with all the expertise he has in this area.

“He’s been doing odd little projects but he might be able to help on other issues pushing the club forward.”

Meanwhile, York also restated their intention to try and win promotion, owner Jon Flatman insisting: “We’ve seen there’s a liking for York and we’re going to take that positivity with us into 2021: we’re not going away.”

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