Bulls fan Basil Richards admits he's "over the moon" after being signed up to Steve McNamara's coaching team.

The former Huddersfield second-rower, 38, is promoted to assistant coach having spent the last three years working on a part-time basis at Odsal.

Richards said: "I'm absolutely ecstatic. I used to watch Bradford as a young lad on the terraces and people like Ellery Hanley who used to really inspire me.

"I've enjoyed working here with the Academy sides and now I can't wait to get involved more with the first team under Steve and learn a lot more."

Richards, who until recently coached his local amateur side Queensbury, has worked for the RFL alongside Lee Crooks at England under-17s and also as assistant to England under-16s boss Dennis Betts.

But he has also worked his way through the Bulls set-up and now replaces Phil Veivers.

McNamara said: "Basil ticks all the right boxes hard-working, loyal, he always has a smile on his face and is very knowledgeable on the game.

"He's still got some coaching developing to do but I aim to help him do this in the traditional Bulls way of thinking.

"It's a pleasure to have him here."

The head coach may not appoint his second lieutenant until the end of the season but the arrival of Brian Smith who has volunteered his services while on a working holiday in England means the club, having moved on after Brian Noble's exit, are well set to maintain their push for Super League glory.

Smith will meet the players for the first time on Monday morning as he begins his second spell at the club.