THE “pest” is on board for the Bulls for 2021.

Winger David Foggin-Johnston has joined the increasing number of current members of John Kear’s squad to commit to a new deal for next season.

And Kear is happy to secure a player he believes will provide constant competition for some of the more regular names.

The Bulls coach said: “He is a very useful option. Anyone who has seen his performances in the big games against the likes of Leeds and Wakefield knows he has always been a threat carrying the ball.

“He is wholehearted in everything he does and we welcome his enthusiasm and hunger in 2021 to challenge the more established players in the squad.

“By signing Foggin-Johnston we are keeping all the three-quarters on their toes. By signing Dee he really is saying, ‘if you are not at your best I am at your heels ready to take your place.’

“We nicknamed him the pest because he was to our defence. He is only small but has very good footwork and he is elusive so I hope he can be a pest for Championship defences next year.”

Foggin-Johnston arrived at the Bulls ahead of the 2019 season after catching Kear’s eye with his performances in League One with Hunslet

The former Warrington junior scored five tries in 15 appearances during his first year at the club, who were keen to activate a clause in his contract to retain him for 2020.

He scored in the final pre-season friendly against York and started on the wing in both Challenge Cup ties against Underbank Rangers and Wakefield before the pandemic brought the Bulls' campaign to a shutdown.

Foggin-Johnston said: "I am overwhelmed with the confidence John, Mark (Dunning) and the Bulls staff have in me.

"Bradford Bulls have become my home and I didn’t want to change that – seeing what John and Mark are building at the club who would not want to be a part of it?

"I feel I’ve built some great relationships with supporters, my squad and coaches and it’s difficult to walk away from that when they’ve helped you so much.”

Meanwhile, Kear has saluted the “phenomenal” reaction from season-ticket holders after the vast majority decided to leave the money they were entitled to with the club.

Fans saw just two home games before the Championship finished – but 86 per cent of those polled by the Bulls said they would not be seeking a refund.

Kear said: “The impact from their responses has been phenomenal financially because it has allowed us to recruit quality as well as retain the players we wanted to retain.

“What it has done more for the players has massively impacted morale and really does show the fans are truly behind the squad and we are as one as a club.

“It is absolutely marvellous and we as a playing group would like to put on record our thanks for the inspiration they have provided.

“I personally would like to thank the fans as well for what they have done for the club.”

The survey of season-ticket holders was sent out at the start of August and 82 per cent took part.

Those asking for their money back will be contacted by the club and the process will be completed by the end of the month.

Season tickets for next year are not expected to go on sale until mid-October at the earliest.

The club will inform supporters once they have a date confirmed.