New Bradford Bulls coach Brian Noble is wasting no time this week as he begins the task of trying to re-establish the club at the top of the British game following their play-off demise at Wigan.

His first job will be to find an assistant with Oldham's Mike Ford, Keighley's Karl Harrison and former Leeds assistant Damian McGrath among those linked with the role.

Noble said: "I have someone in mind and I hope he will come on board. But I am not ready to say who it is just yet.

"It is important I get someone with loyalty and integrity. Often it is the assistant coach who is the sounding board for the players, as they feel they can talk to an assistant rather than the coach."

Noble will also look to boost his squad having lost Bernard Dwyer, Neil Harmon and David Boyle over the last season.

Wigan utility man Lee Gilmour is expected to confirm his switch to Odsal after Saturday's Grand Final while Aussie back-rower Daniel Gartner, formerly of Northern Eag-les and Manly, is tipped to join him.

Meanwhile, Noble will feature on a special rugby league debate on Radio Five Live tonight from 7.30-10pm. England coach John Kear and Gateshead's Andy Kelly will also be on the panel and the programme will include a phone-in.