The full text of McManus's missive is extraordinary in its scope.
Inter Alia other points - In a major respect he has broken ranks, with the privacy normally adhered to by Super League Chairman, in saying
"Certainly, not too much store should be placed on the individual views of other Super League clubs as there are glaring conflicts here with some clubs being interested in their players and even their spectators and sponsors

Indeed BMU. And I am sure I am not the only one to feel that caveat, quoted by VanGinger above, may be pretty key to his massive endorsement today?

It has been pretty widely reported that Gary Hetherington has apparently been a big supporter of us behind the scenes, and that certain other chairmen, such as Mr Lenaghan, have likewise been supporters. The general view has been that some other clubs have been rather the opposite, and Mr McManus alluded to that in his statement as well as implying one reason why that might be. Mr McManus has, until now and rightly or wrongly, not been reported as being amongst our strongest supporters. If that is indeed so, then I suggest his statement today - his ringing, soaring, emphatic endorsement in fact, subject to his key caveat - surely has to be seen as very significant?

One day, I think - I hope - it will come out what has been going on behind the scenes, and just why the RFL and various other parties have acted as they have. And then, I would not be at all surprised if we find that we see method where hitherto many saw only madness. I also have a feeling that, in years to come, Mr McManus' statement today may well come to be seen as a significant development indeed.

I can only pray that I am on the right lines.

That can only be, by dint of geography, Leeds, Hudds, Wakey and less likely, Cas.

If it was Leeds it would be a shock. And he says club*s* - is he implying that despite their gesture of this past weekend, Huddersfield are the club after our sponsors and fans?

Surely all clubs are chasing everybody elses fans and sponsors all the time?

Fairly certain I've seen SL club adverts in the likes of Leigh,Swinton,Fax,Batley,Dewsbury,Fev,Keighley, so whats the difference?

The difference is that while fans have a whinge about it happily, it is unusual to see a senior official from a club criticise the dealings of other clubs which do not directly affect his club. It's also pretty off-message from the previous RFL/SL line.

Well considering we would assume Saints arent chasing Bulls fans and sponsors, then other clubs gaining from a possible Bulls demise would adversly affect Saints

Might as well have put 'because Saints always beat Bulls in cup finals'...

I'm a Saints Fan and I've got to say that I hope you lot come through this in one piece. Me and my family enjoy our away trips to odsal. Its a great atmosphere at your ground and the fans are friendly. It would be a tradgedy if you go out of the competition when we have the likes of London/ Catalans and their 3 away fans who do nothing for the atmosphere. At least you bring some away support. And your not a bunch of animals like Hull/Hull KR. Who should be ushered into cages when they arrive just to be on the safe side. LOL

I have always rated McManus, big time. He is a shrewd operator, and he saved Saints and turned the club around, not least (as far as I can see) by bringing in capable people.

I was quite upset when I got the impression he was angling after our downfall. It seemed out of character.

Having read his wonderful, and so very powerful piece today, I don't know why I was worrying. The man is a hero. He deserves the freedom of the City.

Great piece from League Express and McManus and I wholeheartedly agree with him.

The only bit that lets the article down is his insistance of reducing SL to "less than 14 clubs". Bulls would have a lot more support to stay in SL from clubs like mine (Cas Tigers) , clubs that are at risk of getting the chop if this was cleared up.

Shock horror - some SL chairman want to see Bradford stay in SL!!!

ATEOTD it doesn't really matter what the opinions of the chairmen are - it's all going to come down to the viability of the business plans of the bidders being considered by the RFL. If there's a sustainable plan involving a reasonable CVA and without "silly" season ticket pricing then IMHO the Bulls will retain their licence.

On the other hand, if the "best" business plan involves liquidation of the current company and no tangible payments towards the creditors, then I wouldn't be surprised if the Bulls don't have a SL licence in 2013 & 2014.

The most important thing that needs to come out of this whole process is for Bradford's professional rugby league club to simply have a future, rather than a future that MUST be in SL. If the powers that be decide that the SL licence will be forfeited, there will still be the ability for the club to regain it at a future date. Surely this is far better than a "Super League or bust" mentality!

If Bulls lose the SL Licence, it's no way back and likely oblivion in my view. Always has been.

The only way back would be with an owner with some real Brass. But such a bidder will not want to see the club relegated in the first place. So it seems to me we will either keep the Licence or disappear.

The Hull KR chairman was on radio humberside this morning (about 7.30) and was talking about us at the end of his piece about KR, saying he "felt a change in the mood within SL clubs and chairmen towards Bradford being in SL for 2013" or words to that effect, I can't remember the exact phrase.

He said he expected us to be in SL in 2013, but that was just his feeling, he hadn't been told anything or spoken to anyone. Definetly seems to be a change in the wind.

that doesn't say a lot about the 10,000+ fans, if we can't play with the big boys then we wont support the club in a lower league and fight to get back in the big time. It all depends on whether Bradford get a serious backer who want's to put money into the club for the love of the game as RL certainly isn't a cash cow generating massive profits. A credible offer that sees the creditors get a reasonable return and the RFL will most likely keep the status quo the Bulls in super league.......