BULLS’ interim head coach Lee Greenwood refuses to be drawn on next year, insisting he and Brian Noble are purely focused on the short-term.

It looks likely that the pair will be here for 2024 helping Eamon O’Carroll, back in their previous roles as assistant coach and football consultant respectively.

That is what the club and former Irish international O’Carroll want, but Greenwood insisted: “I’ve not signed anything for 2024 yet, but I’m sure I’ll speak to (CEO) Jason Hirst and (chairman) Nigel Wood about it.

“It’s certainly nice to be wanted by Eamon but Brian and I are of very similar of thinking and our only focus for now is on 2023 and winning our next game.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Brian Noble and Lee Greenwood are fully focused on Bulls' play-off push for 2023.Brian Noble and Lee Greenwood are fully focused on Bulls' play-off push for 2023. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“This playing group has only got a few months left together, and they have all our focus.”

One focus will be on having as many players as fit as possible, and there is a mixed bag of news on that front.

Greenwood said: “Chester Butler has a small fracture to his hand/wrist, so he’s likely to be missing for a few games, which isn’t ideal.

“Connor Wynne is unlikely for Monday’s game against Barrow as with him coming off with the same shoulder injury two weeks running, we don’t want to risk that again.

“James Segeyaro picked up a slight hamstring injury in training, so we’ll see if that’s enough to rule him out of Barrow.

“Joe Arundel and Tom Holmes are back in full training, but we need to see if Barrow then Batley the week after are too soon for them.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Tom Holmes has been a key player for Bulls when fit, so they will be keen for him to return soon.Tom Holmes has been a key player for Bulls when fit, so they will be keen for him to return soon. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

One player who should be fine to play is powerful prop Ebon Scurr, who has been in the matchday squad for the last 14 league games but only started once.

Greenwood explained: “Players of that type are usually more effective off the bench, which is a totally different role to starting a game.

“Everyone’s fresh and fit at kick-off, and that’s when the game is at its quickest.

“But it’s vital to have those players like Ebon, who can punch holes in the opposition defence when others are fatigued.

“He has started the odd game, but with the balance of our team we feel he’s better off the bench, and he’s performed well when doing that.

“That could change though, depending on the 17 we go with for a certain game, or who our opposition are, and he might well start on those occasions.”