MONDAY evening saw Bradford Bulls' latest Fans' Forum instalment, as key members of the club sat down to answer supporters' questions at Odsal Stadium.

Over 100 loyal fans attended the event which was held at the AJJB Southbank Events Venue, and they'll have no doubt been pleasantly surprised with what CEO Jason Hirst, Mark Dunning and newly appointed Head of Youth Ryan Hunkin had to say.

Unfortunately for the supporters in attendance, Chairman Nigel Wood wasn’t present at the event due to “unavailability” and Hirst admitted that the event had to go ahead despite his absence, with the Forum originally scheduled for an October date.

Bradford’s CEO got the evening underway with a PowerPoint which was labelled with: “2023 season-the story so far.”

The seven categories within the PowerPoint were: “7+1 new signings, 252 schools visited, 119 businesses visited, 5 new kit sponsors, expanded backroom staff, Max Clarke (signing confirmed on Monday evening) and interested backers,” which were each discussed by the three members of staff on the stage as the evening rolled on.

A handful of questions which had been sent in by fans were also answered before Hirst, Dunning and Hunkin all responded to further questions from the floor where the fans were positioned.

In my opinion (Harry Williams), all-in-all it was a positive evening. Fans got the answers they desired and there is certainly a far more positive feeling around the club heading into the new campaign.

The key points from the evening were as follows: “The Bradford Bulls “Kids Go Free in 2023” initiative has been a roaring success with over 8,000 season tickets distributed to U18s throughout the city. The club say that they will keep working hard to deliver for the Bradford community with another 5,000 ordered to be given out.”

.Jason Hirst confirmed that the new 2023 shirts will have five new sponsors. He also confirms that Season tickets sales are positive having hit four figures and are currently ahead of last year with the “kids go free” initiative seeing more youngsters than ever following the club.

. Head Of Youth Ryan Hunkin confirmed that the Academy is still in special measures and will be appraised by the RFL in May, with the club confident that they will put the necessary measures in place to follow in the footsteps of Hull KR and being granted a full Academy licence.

. Jason Hirst confirmed that the club are in discussions with Bradford Council and the RFL about playing at Odsal Stadium in 2023 and beyond. Jason says the terms and conditions have to be right for all parties and fully expects the club to play at Odsal in 2023.

. Mark Dunning gave an update on the club’s recruitment process confirming that the club is very close to signing two players who played in the World Cup Quarter Finals at the weekend and Two players from the Super League with considerable experience.

. Jason Hirst admitted that the club's bid for the government's £50M levelling up fund money is still active, and an announcement is expected next month. He remains cautiously optimistic that it will be successful and a new stadium for the Bradford Bulls and Rugby League will happen.

. Jason Hirst said that he believes the Bradford Bulls would be a strong category B club under the new IMG grading system. “We have two years to become the best version of ourselves both on and off the field to give us the best chance to return to Super League.

. Jason Hirst highlighted that Bradford are not a cash rich club and that himself and Nigel Wood are currently in discussions with a number of people/consortiums about investing in the club. Jason says that if these people come on board and want change at the top, they will move on.

. Dunning also confirmed that a Boxing Day fixture will go ahead at Odsal, however, an opponent is yet to be decided.

We (T&A) attended the event and spoke with Hirst and Brian Noble, so the interviews with them will be out this week.