BRADFORD Bulls are supposedly close to making an appointment of their new head coach, with a former Betfred Championship boss reported to be right in the running.

According to Yorkshire Live/Examiner Live, Eamon O’Carroll, currently an assistant coach at Super League high-flyers Catalans Dragons, is one of the final few candidates.

He was in charge of Newcastle Thunder from 2020 to 2022, overseeing their ascension into the second tier.

O’Carroll guided them to an 11th place finish in 2021, well clear of the drop, and took five wins from Newcastle’s opening 11 league games last term.

But he left the Thunder last June, after going winless in four, confirming he was departing to take up a role in Super League, with his move to Perpignan confirmed a week later.

O’Carroll, 36 this month, has helped Catalans to the top of Super League at present, with the French side’s head coach the former Bulls player and boss Steve McNamara.

It has been reported elsewhere that Bulls will keep their current combination of Lee Greenwood and Brian Noble in charge for at least the Toulouse game this Saturday, so that would potentially mean any new man’s first game in charge would come at Odsal against Keighley Cougars on Sunday, July 2.

Greenwood has constantly reiterated to the T&A that he is keen to stay on as a number two, but does not intend to take on the role full-time.

But with he and Noble having done this job for six weeks now since Mark Dunning’s departure, overseeing four wins and a draw in their five games in charge, clamour is growing in some parts for that duo to take over until at least the end of the season.

Bulls have not issued an official club update on the head coach search since May 25, when CEO Jason Hirst said: “Following the May 17 deadline, the club has reviewed the numerous expressions of interest received.

“This has led to a number of face-to-face interviews taking place over the last week, with more planned, this week and next.

“In the meantime, the Board remains fully confident that the first team is in good hands under the stewardship and expertise of interim Head Coach, Lee Greenwood and Football Consultant, Brian Noble.

“Further announcements will be made once a permanent appointment is made.”