Bulls fans have launched a fund-raising campaign to honour the legendary Trevor Foster with a permanent memorial at Odsal.

The Welshman, who died in April 2005, joined Bradford Northern from Newport in 1938 and established himself as a hardened and skilful second-rower.

He went on to play 433 matches for Northern, scoring 130 tries, and played in three consecutive Challenge Cup finals during the late 1940s, winning two.

He toured with Great Britain and also represented Wales.

After retiring, Foster went on to coach Northern, then became a director, playing a major part in the club reformation in 1964, and was their timekeeper right up until his death.

When Northern folded in 1963, he was highly instrumental in laying the foundations for its reformation and, with the 50th year of the rebirth due in 2013, supporters are keen to mark Foster’s contribution.

Foster’s son Simon is among a fans group leading the campaign for a memorial gate at Odsal, which supporters would pass on matchdays.

Early next year, the group aim to set up the Trevor Foster Memorial Fund, where it is hoped supporters and sponsors can raise £10,000 within a 12-month window.

That would pay for the memorial and hopefully fund a celebration at the start of the 2013 season.

Simon Foster said: “This is a marvellous idea for a worthwhile project.

“I am certain that my father would be very proud to have one of his many achievements at Odsal recognised in such a way, particularly since the concept has come from the supporters of the club with whom he had such a warm relationship.

“I remember well the early 1960s as a schoolboy in Bradford and my dad, along with Joe Phillips, was so determined that the club would not die.

“He attended meetings all over the place – almost every night he was out of the house – and cajoled and inspired everyone to get involved in the “resurrection” as he called it.

“I am sure the club will be open to moving the project forward so that there is sufficient time to raise the necessary funds to the benefit of everyone who comes to Odsal.

“After all, my father was the supreme fundraiser during his time at the club between 1938 and 2005.”