Luke Gale has been appointed the Bulls’ vice-captain and made a vow to supporters: “I’m going nowhere!”

The highly-regarded scrum half, 25, joined Bradford from London two years ago and has become the creative fulcrum of Francis Cummins’ side.

The Bulls head coach is a big admirer of Gale and has taken the decision to make him deputy to Matt Diskin ahead of the 2014 campaign.

Gale was the subject of an approach from Hull FC several weeks ago but insisted he was fully focused on the new season with Bradford and revealed he was in peak physical condition.

Former Leeds Academy player Gale said: “It’s good to hear your name being bandied about rather than not but I’m a Bradford player and I love it here, so hopefully the club stays solid and the new board can turn things around.

“I’m just looking forward to a big season with the Bulls and Franny has rewarded me with the vice captaincy, which is massive for me and a huge privilege.

“I’m proud to be vice-captain to these boys because we’ve got a really good squad here. Okay, it’s not a big squad but we’ve brought some top players in and I think our pack, in particular, is going to be brilliant.”

Gale has suffered lengthy absences during his two seasons at the Bulls, both related to ankle ligaments, but he is now fully fit after end-of-season surgery.

He added: “I feel like I’m 18 again and as fit as I’ve ever been, so everything is going well for me.

“Being named vice-captain does give you increased confidence. I’m confident anyway, especially when I’m fully fit like I am now.

“I’m ready to rip in, whereas I didn’t set foot on the training ground during pre-season last year.”

Gale is keeping his fingers crossed that the Bulls can negotiate a way through their latest financial crisis, although players seem certain to depart.

Jarrod Sammut revealed London Broncos had expressed an interest in him earlier this week and Gale added: “Every time you think we’ve turned a corner we find ourselves back in it.

“It’s disappointing because this pre-season has been outstanding, with the way we’ve been training and the coaching staff Franny has put in place.

“It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth but hopefully we will crack on and continue to grow.”

Head coach Cummins, who nurtured Gale in the youth ranks at Leeds, said: “Luke is in fantastic shape – the best shape of his career – and is looking in great form.

“He’s our general and he moves us around the field, so his natural progression is to take on more leadership within the group.”

* Meanwhile, Bulls supporters have until 8pm tonight to support the club's BELONG Christmas Charity Appeal.

The month-long scheme was designed to come to the aid of the less fortunate over the festive period.

And it will end following 'late-night shopping' this evening, giving fans a final opportunity to bring unwanted goods to The Provident Stadium's retail store.

Donated goods will assist the efforts of the Immanuel Project, which helps to feed, clothe and educate the homeless and socially excluded in Bradford.

It will also aid the Welcome Project, Streetwise – a scheme operated by Life Church, Hope Housing, Horton Housing, DISC and The Brothers.