Bradford Bulls fans have blamed high prices and the move away from the south side of the city for the club's falling Super League attendances.

Gates are down by an average of 2,500-per-game following the switch to Valley Parade in preparation for a multi-million pound re-development of Odsal.

Last Sunday's clash with Castleford Tigers attracted just 9,287 - their lowest in the league this season - although some of that drop could be explained by fears of a repeat of recent riots.

But long-time fan Chris Spence of Odsal says: "The reason is simple, it's too expensive. My wife was thinking about going with our son until she realised it would be £12 for her and £6 for him - he's only two.

"Another factor I feel is the heavy-handed stewarding. I've heard more arguments from disgruntled fans than in 20 years at Odsal. They have to realise they are dealing with supporters not hooligans."

Fans could stand on the terraces for £10 at Odsal last season but now pay between £12 and £16 for a seat at Valley Parade.

But Peter Carroll, of East Bowling, Bradford, believes the move across town has not been received positively by some of the club's traditional fans.

"I think a lot of the support on the south side of the city have not been prepared to make the hike across town. They just haven't warmed to the fact that the club are now playing at Valley Parade," he said.

"There is also a hangover effect from the defeat by St Helens in the Challenge Cup final. That was a bitterly disappointing day, especially for those who had seen the previous final defeats by Saints.

"They perhaps feel a little deflated at the moment but I'm confident that when the season comes to a climax many of them will come back with the prospect of gaining revenge. The Leeds game on Sunday should pull a lot more in."

But chairman Chris Caisley said: "The crowds were always going to be down at Valley Parade until people get used to being down there. There were teething troubles early on but we've got over them now.

"People seem to take great delight in concentrating on the negatives. There has been a terrific atmosphere at Valley Parade with our fans being able to sit in comfort.

"The results have been fantastic, the players love playing there and have produced the most exciting rugby played by a Bradford side for years. All this negative stuff is ridiculous.

"If it wasn't for our fans, half the league would have gone bust. We take 3,000-4,000 away, more than anybody else.

"Leeds have had a dig at us for spending silly money. I'm quite proud of the team we've put together and Leeds would love to swap places with us. Everybody takes a swipe at us.

"Hopefully the fans will this week have a real dig back especially as Leeds have been having a pop at us. The fans have a team they can be proud of and it's a good chance to show that off against a team who have had a swipe at us many times."