Bradford Bulls hear RFL Odsal message and turn to council

Their total of 12.02 puts them 14th in the IMG table, less than half a point off 12th, giving them a great chance of being admitted into Super League for 2025, with promotion and relegation between the top two tiers being scrapped.

But while they achieved excellent scores on the community (90 per cent) and fandom (79 per cent) aspects of the grading, their stadium score was a miserable 30 per cent of what was possible, ranking at just 0.89 out of a maximum of three.

Some key aspects hold them back at Odsal, notably a chronically low utilisation score (an average attendance of just over 3,000 in a 26,000-capacity stadium) and a lack of digital features.

And while not explicitly mentioned in the grading criteria, Bulls have clearly been told Odsal needs to modernise, or find an appropriate 21st century facility.

In a club statement, Bulls said: “Yesterday’s illustrative IMG Grading score ranks the club as 14th on the grading ladder, behind all the 2023 season Super League clubs, as well as Toulouse.

“That grading should leave no one in any doubt that the single biggest impediment to getting our club back to the Super League is the absence of an appropriate 21st century facility.

“Our relatively strong and strengthening scores in the other four grading pillars (finances were 61 per cent and performance, hampered by being in the Championship, was 43 per cent) clearly demonstrate the progress the club has and continues to make in recent times.”

Odsal understandably comes in for criticism and Bulls are desperate to modernise. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

Bradford have called on the council to help them achieve what is required, in terms of having an appropriate facility in Bradford, after accepting a clear message from the RFL that the governing body are unwilling to invest in improving Odsal.

The statement said: “The club was brought back to Odsal from Dewsbury in 2021 because Bradford needs the Bulls as much as the Bulls needs Bradford.

“We have been in discussions with the council for three years now about how best to deliver the standard of facility needed to play in Super League.

“Much hope was placed on the Levelling Up bid, but that was unsuccessful.

“Over the past 30 years, virtually all major rugby league clubs, from the Mersey to the Humber, have had significant stadium improvements.

“Some cities and even towns, for instance, Wigan, have two fit for purpose, 21st century venues.

“None of these developments would have been possible without the active collaboration of the various local councils. It's that simple.

“The RFL, as leaseholders of Odsal Stadium, by putting the lease up for sale, have signalled very clearly that they aren't prepared to make the investment required to bring Odsal up to the required standard.

“They have, however, helpfully and steadfastly insisted that professional rugby league in Bradford must be protected, as part of any sale.

“The club’s clear preference is for the council, who are the actual owners of the land, to re-acquire the lease from the RFL and deliver a community stadium for the sport in Bradford, of the required quality to meet the Super League criteria and serve the recreational needs and wants of the local community.

“Failing that, we would ask that the council collaborates with the club and allows us to approach sponsors to develop around Odsal, such that the stadium can become financially sustainable, which it most certainly isn’t at present.”

Bulls believe the release of the indicative rankings gives them a clear message regarding what is needed to progress and become an established Super League club again.

The statement said: “This day has been coming for three years now.

“The club and the city council now know clearly what is required.

“The club’s board, staff, volunteers and players all believe we have controlled the controllables as best we can across the other criteria on the grading system.

Nearly 5,000 fans were at the opening day win against Whitehaven, and Bulls do score well on the fandom pillar. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“Now is the time for all who believe that a city of Bradford's stature deserves a Super League club to come together, to develop the right facility.

“To do so, would give the club the opportunity to secure a realistic, exciting and long coveted return to Super League, as early as 2025.

“That is said on the back of our much-improved 2023 on-field performance and yesterday’s gradings, that show we’re currently in touching distance of the top 12 graded clubs, which allows entry into Super League.

Despite some obvious negatives, Bulls are not as far off a place in Super League as some might have thought. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“If we all truly want a top-flight professional rugby league team in the City of Bradford, we can’t afford to miss this opportunity again.”

In a final message to the supporters, Bulls said: “To our loyal, appreciated band of supporters, both near and far, please continue to back us.

“Not only by purchasing season tickets and merchandise and attending matches, but also by championing our outstanding community work and interacting on our numerous social media platforms, which cover all of the club’s nine teams.

“Rest assured that the club will continue to strive to deliver you, the modern, 21st century stadium you undoubtedly deserve, while keeping you updated appropriately, as and when there are any further developments on these topics.”

BULLS’ IMG SCORE BROKEN DOWN:

Pillar                                Score                     Marks Available                        Obtained % of Max Score

Performance                  2.17                        5                                                   43%

Fandom                           3.95                        5                                                   79%

Finances                          2.75                        4.5                                                61%

Stadium                           0.89                        3                                                   30%

Community                    2.25                        2.5                                                90%

Total: 12.02 (rounded up)