Bulls coach Francis Cummins last night told supporters he had spoken to a number of potential new recruits as he looks to assemble his squad for next season.
Speaking at the latest fans forum in the Coral Stand, Cummins admitted he was unlikely to make any “marquee” signings for 2014 but stressed his determination to improve the squad.
Cummins, who revealed he did not plan to make any further loan signings this season, said: “We’re not in a position to recruit world-class players but I’ve been out and met a number of players and spoken to agents.
“If there are opportunities to sign players to improve what we’ve got then we will look to do so. But we can’t get into a position where the club was before and must work within the budget.”
Cummins admitted he would like to sign Matty Blythe on a permanent basis but said the ball lay in Warrington’s court.
Wolves centre Blythe, 24, is on a season-long loan at the Provident Stadium and has scored a number of crucial tries while proving popular with team-mates and supporters alike.
He has another year on his contract at Warrington but it has been suggested the Bulls could look to sign him permanently if Tony Smith cannot guarantee him regular first-team action.
Cummins said: “Matty’s really happy here and we’re really happy with him but Warrington will dictate what happens next year.”
Gerry Sutcliffe reiterated that the Bulls were continuing to seek fresh investment following the recent collapse of Jay Willey’s proposed “six-figure” injection in the club.
Questions about Willey were out of bounds last night but co-chairman Sutcliffe said the hard work was continuing behind the scenes to grow the club.
The former Sports Minister said: “When we put a business plan together we said it would take two years to turn the club around and we’re making fantastic progress.
“We are looking at every avenue to bring finance into the club from outside investment as well as selling more season tickets and putting on more concerts to generate more money for the business.
“We’ve jumped through all the hurdles that the RFL have asked us to and we’re confident that things are okay.
“But we’ll always be on the look-out for more investment to grow the club and that’s what we’re aiming to do.
“The money that we generate through off-field activities can be ploughed back into the rugby side for Franny to spend.”
Sutcliffe reiterated the Bulls’ desire to buy back the lease on Odsal from the RFL and admitted a return of speedway was unlikely due to issues related to drainage.
The club’s general manager, Ryan Whitcut, said he hoped that tomorrow’s 80s concert would open the door for further major music events to be held at Odsal.
He said around 8,500 tickets had been sold but that he hoped a walk-up would make it around 10,000.
Whitcut also said the club would soon reveal plans to open a new merchandise store in Bradford city centre.
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