JASON HIRST STATEMENT ON IMG PROPOSALS

Bradford Bulls' Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirst reflects on IMG's proposals to re-shape the future of Rugby League...

“IMG’s proposals are both interesting and much needed if our great sport is to reflect, grow and finally reach its full potential. To do that, it needs be bold, embrace change and attract new spectators and investment. The central recommendation is that if a club is good enough, then there will be room at the elite level of Super League, for it. We have all been put on notice that the opportunity is there for everyone to grasp.

While there is much detail still be fleshed out, it is already clear that facilities will be a key criteria when evaluating a club’s potential. The strength of level of club support will be another key consideration. 

With regards to the stadium, the club eagerly look forward to hopefully positive news on the recently announced Levelling Up Bid, to redevelop Odsal stadium and the surrounding land. The club, once again, thank the Bradford Metropolitan District Council for their vision and support in their attempts to deliver a community stadium, that our fans and the wider district of Bradford undoubtedly deserve.

In relation to the club’s support base, we are clear that if we can get it right on and off the field, the support for our great club can be the equal of any other in the professional ranks. As a long-standing supporter, through thick and thin, I believe now is the time to draw a line in the sand and come together as one united family of Bradford supporters and show the rugby league world that we can still be a force in the sport. We all know what we are capable of and the IMG recommendations offer a clear, time lined potential pathway back into Super League. 

Clearly, financial resources for clubs will be another crucial issue and while we remain a volunteer led and partially volunteer run organisation for the moment, please be under no illusions that we all recognise that there is no one bigger than the club. If there are people better equipped, interested and potentially willing to get involved in the running and ownership of the club, I’d gladly welcome the opportunity to sit and discuss those possibilities.

In the meantime, the club’s dedicated team of staff and volunteers will continue to work alongside our coaching and playing team to bring year on year improvement, to our great club, under the more traditional promotion and relegation format.