Bradford Bulls appointed shock new head coach

Bradford Bulls used to compete with the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and St Helens for Super League glory.

In fact at the start of the century the played in five consecutive Grand Finals winning three against Wigan and Leeds.

They won the treble in 2003 and were crowned World Champions in 2006 but in 2014 financial troubles culminated in relegation and they have been battling to get back to the top.

They have been looking for a new coach for a long time now since Mark Dunning’s departure.

Now Bradford Bulls have announced the appointment of Eamon O’Carroll as the club’s new head coach on a three year deal from the 2024 season.

O’Carroll is currently in his second spell at Super League leaders Catalans Dragons, acting as Assistant Coach to Bradford legend Steve McNamara as well as heading up the Reserves side in the south of France.

The 36-year-old played for Wigan Warriors, Hull FC and Widnes Vikings in a 13-year playing career before a spell at Newcastle Thunder where he oversaw promotion back to the Betfred Championship.

The new Bulls boss said:

“It is a great feeling, I am really looking forward to it, it is a huge honour everyone knows the proud history of the club so to be a part of that moving forward is a really proud moment for me and my family,” said O’Carroll.

“There were a number of things that appealed about the job, I have always had aspirations to be a head coach… I wasn’t particularly looking but when it came up it turned my head, the club has big aspirations and I am really looking forward to getting started.

“[What fans can expect] A team that will compete, it is really important we do the jersey justice and we represent Bradford in the way it needs to be and I will certainly be driving that from day one, not just on a Sunday afternoon but also at training. I guarantee we will work hard and represent our club in the way it needs to be represented.

“There is some real quality in the squad, the group looks really good and they are responding to what Lee and Brian are doing and I am really excited about coming in working with the players, helping them with some areas and them helping me.

“I have been extremely lucky to work with Steve McNamara and the staff here at the Dragons and hopefully some of those good traits I’ve learned will come out in what I bring to Bradford as a head coach.

“My message to the fans is keep supporting the boys in the way you are doing, your support will be greatly needed. You will have a group and a Head Coach who wants success and who will be willing to work really hard.”