In-demand Andy Lynch has penned a new three-year contract at Odsal, ready to give the “best years of his career” to the Bulls.

The much-respected England prop finally ended speculation about his future yesterday by signing the new deal, which takes him through to the end of 2012.

A host of Super League clubs, including Wigan and Hull FC, had been desperate to take Lynch away from Bradford with his current contract up at the end of the campaign.

But, after months of negotiating, the talented forward has confirmed his decision to stay.

Delighted boss Steve McNamara announced the news at the club’s fans’ forum last night, bringing huge cheers from the audience.

“This is a fantastic retention for the club,” he said.

“Andy Lynch’s form has been superb ever since he joined Bradford Bulls and he has probably been the most consistent player we’ve had over that time.

“A player of Andy’s stature and his performances since he joined this organisation in 2005 is everything we want a Bull to be.

“We’re delighted he is staying with us for what we believe will be his best years still in front of him.”

Lynch has made 135 appearances since moving from Castleford Tigers and developed into one of the competition’s top performers.

His power and determination have seen him become one of the finest metre-makers in Super League, while his defensive appetite is relentless.

Lynch has reliably under-pinned the Bulls pack since making a starting berth his own in 2006 and has twice won the club’s player of the year award.

He skippered the club for the first time this Easter and is viewed as pivotal to the club’s future.

Lynch will be approaching 33 when the new deal expires but McNamara believes he could go on and on.

He will only be two years away from a testimonial at that point and the coach said: “Lynchy’s probably one of the best all-round athletes we’ve had at the club for a long period of time.

“He keeps himself in really good shape and is a great role model for some of our younger players coming through. I couldn’t be happier that he has decided to commit to us again.”

The club has 11 players out of contract at the end of this season and supporters aired their concerns last night that none had so far re-signed for 2010.

But McNamara appeased them by revealing news on Lynch’s capture, and the crucial front-rower has clearly been one of his main priorities.

Questions were also asked about the club’s lack of success since 2005 and poor form, especially this term.

McNamara accepted performances hadn’t been consistently good enough but that he hoped the second half of the season would bring far more triumph.

He also pointed to the long-term future of the club being paramount and how their thriving youngsters can help achieve that.

McNamara reminded fans the Bulls were found guilty of breaking the salary cap the last time they won the Super League Grand Final by bringing in big-name players, having gone for a short-term fix.

“Now we are trying to do it the RIGHT way to ensure in future years there is a very, very strong Bradford Bulls,” he said.

“We want to be able to have a legacy that can be left and not just go boom and bust.”