Bradford Bulls are used to being in the mix with Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and St Helens but as these three clubs finished top of IMG’s rankings Bradford finished 14th which was still a strong standing for a Championship club.
But the Bulls wanted to be in the top 12 and want to be able to claim a place in Super League in 2025 based on the IMG gradings. They scored strongly across the majority of pillars with the pulls having 90% of maximum points outside of one pillar.
The pillar that let down was their stadium score with Odsal letting down the club and their standing in the rankings leading to a passionate statement from the Bulls calling for the council to act.
However, the council have told the Telegraph and Argus that it was “not in a position” to progress schemes for the site’s future. This is a devastating blow for the club.
However, not all is lost with the Bradford South MP calling for support to match the Bulls’ ambition to reach Super League once more.
Judith Cummins, Bradford South Labour MP, said this week: “Fans are rightly proud of the Bulls’ performance this season.
“Yet the IMG’s illustrative grading for Bradford Bulls makes it clear that the club is being held back by the dire need for the modernisation of their historic Odsal Top home.
“Sporting success brings pride to our communities and prestige to our city. But for the Bulls and Bradford to thrive, investment in our sporting facilities needs to match that ambition.
“That is why, earlier this year, I established a working group that brings key partners together to find a viable way forward for the Bulls in Bradford. All parties must do everything they can to secure the top-tier Rugby League that Bradford deserves.”
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