RFL Statement on the #BradfordBulls

The RFL Board, chaired by Simon Johnson, has reviewed both the chronology of the purchase of the head lease of Odsal stadium in 2011, and of the three historic insolvency events at Bradford Bulls.

Simon Johnson, RFL Chair: “The Board has received and reviewed a detailed chronology of decisions relating to both the purchase of Odsal, and the three administrations at the Bradford club since 2011.

“The Board consists of a majority of independent directors, none of whom were in post in 2011. Our independent and objective conclusion is that on the basis of the detailed chronology, the decision to purchase the head lease of Odsal stadium in 2011 was reasonable; professional advice was sought and taken; and the decision was communicated to the RFL Council.

“Odsal is currently mothballed, following the decision by Bradford Bulls to leave. The Board is working with the club to ensure that a return to the stadium in 2021 remains an option; whilst continuing positive discussions with Bradford City Council on a Development plan for the site; and exploring options around the sale of the Governing Body’s interest in the stadium.

“The Board has acted in the best interests of the game when making decisions relating to the approval of purchasers following insolvency events, and decisions have been taken in accordance with the prevailing rules and regulations.”

The Board also discussed the recent transfer of ownership of the Bradford Bulls, following the sale of shares from the previous owner to new owners, which required and received Board approval.

Simon Johnson: “The recent approval of a transfer of ownership of the club includes a minority shareholder with interests in another rugby league club. This is fully in accordance with the current Rules and Regulations relating to the ownership of clubs which was discussed and received by clubs, most recently in May of this year.”

Which I interpret this as "Despite putting in situ 3 successive sets of unfit owners (having overlooked Marwan Koucash who has proven himself to be a more than suitable owner of a RL club) the 3 Administrations are not a result of our decision making. Furthermore, we are part of the vultures circling over Odsal should the Bulls not return and we are very happy that the current owner, formerly one of our own, will not be able to provide sufficient finance to save them as a going concern"

Not exactly an 'independent' review though is it?

RFL statement is the twaddle we expected. Time for action.

Those RFL's are getting so independent lately .

Another joke that the genuine Bradford fans really don’t need, more messing about by tinkers and meddlers with the wrong reasons behind getting involved.

Good luck, I think you will need it, similar to us to be honest, hopefully we’ve got some right minded people involved this time.

With respect please get in touch with the real RL world.

You say, and we quoteHopefully the growing mumble from other clubs about the matter will prompt a proper investigation[/i"

The other clubs are for the main part stuck between a rock and a hard place. They may occasionally mumble dissent, but they never meaningfully put their collective heads above the parapet. The same (apart from Bower. the Press Association's RL lead, and to a lesser degree, Gledhill) can sadly be said of our generally hapless RL journalists.

Why is this? Because the clubs, in particular the Tier 2 and Tier 3 clubs, are beholden to their allegedly bent Governing Body and moreover it would take one hell a brave club to bite the hand that feeds - the RFL do after all distribute the central funding entitlements. We should expect better from the now more 'independent' SL clubs, but even they are first and foremost driven by selfish intent and greed.

So in summary you can forget the Tier 1-3 clubs raising any form of formal grievance against the RFL in respect of what's happened to the Bulls post late 2011.

Moreover, the RFL are also allegedly screwing the grassroots game and Sport England's multi million pound annual grants are not reaching down to the amateur game who are the live blood of our game, and our future.

So where does that leave the pooped upon RL family?

Either screwed for ever and a day, or something meaningful needs to be done, and soon.

Some, if not many on here may (still) think we are idiots, but as we have said time and time again .... watch this space.

“The Board has acted in the best interests of the game when making decisions relating to the approval of purchasers following insolvency events, and decisions have been taken in accordance with the prevailing rules and regulations.”


I can’t be the only one who’s picked up on the language used in this statement

At no point do they say they have investigated why certain prospective buyers were rejected.
No investigation into the reasons why people rescinded their bids. Were restrictive conditions attached that made it impossible for them to continue?

Only says the RFL investigated the actual takeovers

Anyone who has listened to the Yes Minister series on radio or watched it on TV will recognise bureaucratic doublespeak!

OK then.
I was always told there are those that talk and those that do.
All you do is talk and talk and talk all day long.
Just do it and then tell everyone why it needed doing. But I doubt you will as long as people keep believing you.
I don't as no self respecting professional person would spend all day on a forum read by a few dozen. They would get on with it quietly in the background and then explain things and everyone on here does actually know that. These posts are just being written by someone who has had a bad experience with the club (possibly Duffy) and the RFL. I wonder if this angry person is writing on other forums or just this which would be interesting.

The statement is pathetic. It's pathetic that presumably the RFL expected the rugby league community to buy it. I mean really, a full investigation that has been conducted by the RFL and taken how long, a matter of days? Weeks at the most? That's frankly ludicrous if they wanted the public to believe that they've put sufficient time and resources into this investigation to make it at least appear legitimate. It's quite clear that something isn't right about all of this. Everyone is saying it. Maybe Pestegg should start working on this problem. It would be useful. Aaron Bower is trying his hardest by the looks of it, though part of me thinks he might be in cahoots with Robert Elstone and that his involvement is just another way of SL marginalizing the RFL even further. Then again would that be a bad thing?

Sadly this statement and purported investigation is completely unsurprising.

It’s not even days. Basically someone who was there (rimmer?) went through the timeline with the independent board members who are new at a board meeting!! So 3hours? Then the chairman said - yes, with the info at the time, that’s all ok! Ffs

Re Dr Feelybad's comment - "[iMaybe nestegg should start working on this problem[/i".

Can't you read mate?; are you not 'watching this space?

Anyhow, we're en route to Iceland later today The Blue Lagoon awaits along with some nice tasty Hrútspunga.

I certainly can read, it's actually a considerable part of my profession. What I am reading from you is that you're all talk and no tackle. And what I'm reading from other posters regarding if you were really doing something you'd do it quietly, well I agree with that.

You know the old saying "empty vessels make the most noise"?

Go figure.

(FYI I was actually supporting you in part in my post but you managed to spin that into an argument, which says a lot)