Bradford Bulls chairman Chris Caisley has called on the club's army of fans to back their Silk Cut Challenge Cup campaign so it doesn't become a financial disaster.

Caisley was alarmed by Saturday's paltry Odsal attendance of 6,467 for the 32-4 win over Super League rivals Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants in the fourth round.

And he warned today that the club would "barely break even" from the tie as gate receipts are split equally between the two clubs after expenses have been deducted.

Even the £8,000 fee from BBC for televising the game does not compensate the club for the drop in support.

Caisley said: "For a club like ourselves who want to attract average crowds of 15,000 and above this season it was a major blow.

"I want our fans to understand that we need their loyalty at all times. They have been magnificent throughout Super League and produced a record crowd of 24,020 for our home clash with Leeds last September, but we need support in the cup too.

"I know that our fans do not like Saturday matches, that it was cold last week and the game was on terrestrial TV, but we need their backing despite those negative factors.

"We have been pioneers in the game and have notched up many firsts.

"Our community programmes, pre-match entertainment, web-site, Bulls Connection and junior development schemes all come at a cost. So too does putting together a top team which is capable of competing with the best for honours.

"If we are to continue to do those at the high levels we have set for ourselves there is a price. As a community-based club without the corporate facilities of some of our rivals, we have to count on our excellent supporters.

"We have re-vamped our pre-match entertainment for the new Super League season and there are many other initiatives we wish to explore, but we cannot afford to lose money through the turnstiles.

"The cup as a competition is not lucrative unless you reach the final. Our fifth round tie at Wakefield will be tough but it won't be a big money-spinner because of their capacity of 10,000 at Belle Vue.

"But having said that, I would urge our fans to snap up our allocation of tickets when they go on sale this Saturday."

Caisley is aware that there were a number of poor attendances last weekend. Even the Featherstone Lions v Leeds Rhinos clash failed to produce the expected capacity at the Lionheart Stadium.

He admitted: "I think you need to stand back and analyse things objectively. At the end of the day we have to make money and there is no way that we want to be making a loss from playing in the cup.

"Clearly there is a need to take a close look at the competition as a whole because attendances everywhere were poor."

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