Bradford Bulls reportedly set to appoint John Kear’s successor

Bradford Bulls have been without an official head coach since the end of April.

That saw the end of John Kear’s tenure at Odsal after the former Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC boss joined the club back in 2018 – when he secured promotion back to the Betfred Championship at the first time of asking courtesy of a play-off final victory over Workington Town.

He led the Bulls to a famous Challenge Cup win over Leeds Rhinos in 2019 and last year, the club recorded its highest league finish in six years, securing a play-off berth in the process.

Since his departure, assistant coach Mark Dunning has been handed the reins and he has been able to steady the ship at the West Yorkshire club, winning five from a possible seven games.

And, for Bradford Bulls reporter, The Game Caller, he believes that Dunning is the next in line to be given the reins on a permanent basis.

“I still firmly believe Mark Dunning will get the head coach’s role,” The Game Caller said on The Full Eighty Minutes podcast.

“I know some of the candidates who are in and it’s a big decision for Nigel Wood and Jason Hirst the CEO.

“We are now at D-day because they are interviewing candidates and going away at the weekend to reflect.”

The Game Caller also revealed that a decision will be made ahead of next weekend’s fixture at Newcastle Thunder.

“Mark will be in charge against Leigh but the away game at Newcastle, that could be Mark’s first game officially in charge.

“He has won five games from seven.”

It remains to be seen whether Dunning will be given the reins permanently, but he has certainly put in a great audition.