Mick Potter admits Bradford’s failure to make the play-offs has simply made him more determined to succeed next season.

The Bulls have now gone three years without making the play-offs and Potter found life tough during his maiden campaign at Odsal.

Inconsistency and injuries to key players blighted the club during 2011 and Potter’s men finished a hugely disappointing tenth in the table.

Yet Potter has already set his sights on a vast improvement next term.

He said: “Not being involved in the play-offs just makes you want it that little bit more.

“This is a time of year when you want to be playing.

“Unfortunately that’s not the case this year but we are certainly doing everything we can to ensure we get back in there next season.”

Despite finishing out of the top eight, Potter’s players have continued to train in the past fortnight since the regular season ended.

They officially ended for their close-season break on Friday, with Potter confident that his men will return for pre-season in determined mood.

Potter – who will spend the next month back home in Australia – said: “I’m happy because the guys have trained with really good spirit since the season ended.

“They have showed a determination to improve and I think it’s been a very worthwhile exercise.

“We’ll be looking to make further improvments when we start pre-season training. We’re lifting standards gradually and we have to.”