DUNNING APPOINTED PERMANENT HEAD COACH

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Mark Dunning has been appointed the new permanent head coach of the club with immediate effect.

Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirst said:

“I’m delighted to announce Mark Dunning as the Bradford Bulls’ new permanent Head Coach, with immediate effect, on a contract until November 2023.

“As part of our rigorous selection process, Mark, as the standout candidate, beat several other high-quality applicants, to land this prestigious role.

“I’m also equally delighted to announce that club legend and former Great Britain coach, Brian Noble, will be returning to the club on an informal consultancy basis, to support Mark and his staff, as we look to finish the season strongly and secure a play-off place.

“The appointment of these two knowledgeable, highly skilled and proud Bradfordians allows us to continue to strategically plan and progress our recruitment plans for the 2023 season and beyond.”

Mark Dunning, sponsored by Crystal Clear Bi-Folds, said:-

“I am absolutely delighted, honoured and humbled to be offered the opportunity to continue leading the performance department of this prestigious club. I want to thank Board of Directors for this opportunity, the staff and players who have been very receptive and supportive of me since taking over in an interim basis and also my family and friends whose support has been and will continue to be invaluable.

The hard work continues from here and there is lots to do if we are to achieve the goal of everyone here at the club which is to earn our right to compete at the top end of the sport.

I am looking forward to sitting down with the players and staff, some of whom have gone above and beyond in recent weeks, continuing to create a positive and challenging culture and environment which allows our players of all ages to develop, grow and flourish. The help of Brian in his Consultancy role will be very important to everyone at the club both on and off the field and is an exciting addition to the club.

Finally on behalf of the players and staff, I wish to thank you our loyal supporters who travel near and far to Support the team. You really make a difference to the boys during the game and it is very much appreciated by all.”

Jason Hirst added:

“We made our offer to Mark, not only on the strength of his outstanding interview, but because of the positive difference, he has made around the club, since he became Interim Head Coach. This has resulted in 5 wins out of 8 and is testament to some of the changes he has made behind the scenes.

“Having served a thorough apprenticeship and being mentored by several high-profile coaches, across the game, we are delighted to give Mark his first Head Coach role. We passionately believe that with his own team, processes and methods in place, Mark will bring about further significant improvement on and off the field of play. I, therefore, encourage all our supporters to get behind him and our team and club, as we all look to give you the entertainment and success you deserve.

“Both Mark and I value the critical importance of communication and transparency and recognise the need for our club to improve in these areas. We are, therefore, pleased to announce that we have rescheduled our next Fans Forum, to 24 hours later, on Thursday 14^th July, to allow our fans to take in an open 1^st team training session, at Odsal, at 7pm. The Fans Forum will commence immediately afterwards at 08:15pm. Mark, Chairman Nigel Wood and myself will all be in attendance to answer questions and give detail on some exciting club developments. More details on this event will be provided tomorrow.

“Thank you, for your continued, appreciated support.”