OVER 150 people attended a sponsors dinner last night, with current, prospective and new partners all turning out for a terrific evening of entertainment at The Provident Stadium.

Representatives of businesses from across the district oversaw an open training session and enjoyed a stunning three-course meal, before hearing from chairman Marc Green, managing director Steve Ferres and commercial director Danny Potticary.

The event, hosted by Bradford Bulls chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul, provided a formal introduction of the club's all-new board of directors as Mr Green outlined his future intentions.

Mr Ferres spoke of the direction in which the playing department is heading, while Mr Poitticary highlighted the importance of commercial activity as the evening concluded with entertainment from local comedian Lea Roberts.

“Last night's dinner gave us, the new board, an opportunity to properly introduce ourselves to the club's current and prospective sponsors,” said Mr Potticary, who joined the club last month.

“The club has received some bad publicity over the past few years – and rightly so – but, alongside its Foundation, does a lot of good in the community.

“This is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world, with a proud history, and that is something we wish to celebrate going forward.

“Together with the Foundation, this club helps in the region of 30,000 children in the local community, every year, and provides various educational pathways.

“Our players make over 400 appearances per year and our heritage department has secured numerous grants, designed to aid local amateur rugby league clubs – and the future of the sport.

“However, no business can operate, profitably, on matches alone. We cannot rely on just them to be succesful.

“We are working towards being in operation for 52 weeks of the year, allowing us to generate extra income which can be then pumped back into the club and local community.

“We have to be able to add to what the team is achieving when things are going well on the field, while ensuring extra revenue is coming in when things are not going so well on the field.

“As commercial director, my aim is to ensure we can support the club's Academy, the future of Bradford Bulls, while supporting every other department.”

Mr Potticary has spoken of how the Bulls have received interest from a host of notable names from the business world in recent weeks.

The London-born businessman, who has a proven track record in all things commercial, says he is hopeful of continuing the building of new relations for the club.

“We have achieved huge amounts since the takeover in March, and are continuing to do so,” added Mr Potticary.

“We are being approached by new, major businesses, regarding future sponsorship of the club. These are certainly exciting times.

“It is only when you sit back and realise what a massive club you have become a part of do you realise how lucky you are.

“I feel privileged to serve Bradford Bulls, its staff and supporters, while working to safeguard the long-term future of this remarkable club.”

Meanwhile, supporters are reminded of Friday's 5.00pm deadline for discounted Tetley's Challenge Cup tickets.

Providing admission is secured before the close of play TOMORROW, you can bag Provident Stand, Bartercard Terrace or Bedz 'R' Us Terrace tickets for just £15 (adults), £10 (concessions) and £10 (students).

To book NOW, call 08448 711 490. Or, alternatively, order via e-mail by CLICKING HERE.