FANS FAVOURITE FLANAGAN STAYS

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce fans’ favourite George Flanagan Snr has signed a new one-year deal with the club!

The 36-year-old is a product of the famous Bradford Academy and following spells at various Betfred Championship outfits, made his return to the club he grew up supporting in 2018.

Flanagan Snr has since made 94 appearances in the red, amber and black, scoring 36 tries.

The boyhood Bradford fan has spoken of his determination to be a part of the club’s push to Super League - whilst declaring his excitement at the arrival of Eamon O’Carroll and the club’s aspirations in 2024.

“I am excited, it has been a whirlwind year for me having started the year playing really well, then mid season I didn’t hit form and missed some games but I am delighted the club wanted me to stay,” said Flanagan Snr, who is sponsored by Captain Hornblower, Carol and Tony. 

“Eamon and the club have their aspirations for me on and off the field. My experience speaks for itself, this is a club I hold firmly to my heart and I am looking forward to it. 

“The Super League push is a massive factor, if I was to leave the club I would be kicking myself if the club got there, one of the aims is to get us there and whether I get to play in Super League or not, if I can play my part in getting this great club back there then so be it. 

“I have spoken to Eamon a few times, we are on the same hymn sheet with what he sees in me and what I see in him. I have heard really good things from people and hearing what he has for me in place, I am happy with it. He sees me as a leader and I am looking forward to it, he will bring new ideas to freshen the place up which will be a good thing. 

“The fans are my people, I am a Bradford lad this is where it all started for me as a youngster, if next year is my last I have finished at the club I have always supported and the fans have been a massive part in that.

“They have been with me through thick and thin, hopefully I can repay them and if next year is my last, you know what you will get with me and hopefully the fans can jump on board and be excited.”

Interim Head Coach Lee Greenwood said:

“You need to get the balance right of youth and experience, George loves the club and he is certainly a really important part of the playing group, not just through having the right mentality but also keeping the lads sociable and making sure that there’s a good bond.

“They are quite a tight knit group and that is a lot to do with George and what he does off the field but on the field he still has something to offer. He trains exceptionally hard for a guy his age, he leads from the front and he has certainly got a part to play.

“When you get to a certain age it gets harder and harder to play at a high level but he has shown he can still do it and he will have an important part to play next year.”

Eamon O’Carroll said:

“I am really happy we have managed to extend George’s contract for a further 12 months. After a number of phone calls with George it was clear to me that he is Bradford through and through and is desperate to be a part of what we are trying to do.

“Having watched this season’s games and having spoken to the rest of the staff and players, it is clear that George is highly valued within the group. He has real leadership qualities and leads by example on and off the field, which is something I really value. 

“I am really looking forward to working with George and him being a big part of the club moving forward.”