It seems we are in permanent 'survival mode' and have been since march 2012. I'm getting used to the financial problems now. I'm not very fond of them, though.

Indeed

Plus we are committed to making payments at Odsal under the terms of the various connected lease arrangements.

Also I am not sure why some people seem to assume that we could move in to a new home at VP for a song. Last time this was discussed it was pretty clear that the rent would be nearer an arm and a leg than a song.


You are of course right about managed debt, but I'm afraid there are plenty on here who have no clue about it, and think no business should have any debt, and should operate purely with cash it has in the till. They don't understand that it isn't whether you're in debt, but rather whether you use the loan/s well and can service that debt. They wouldn't get the fact that successful businesses normally have very significant borrowings.

Unless a very large sum of money has gone walkies though - and not even our worst enemies and trolls have suggested that sort of thing - then it is worth not losing sight of the seeming fact that the debts run up must therefore all have been spent on running the club in the 2013 season, not down the bookies or whatever. Presumably therefore a mixture living beyond your means, failing to keep close (or any) check of cashflow, getting into repeated hock, and hoping something would turn up (it never does).

The only thing I would add though is that sadly rugby league clubs are not really a "business" in the sense that they are attractive as somewhere for "businessmen" to "invest" money. They are one of the best and easiest way to do in your bollox, year after year, and that is why invariably the top clubs have a wealthy benefactor who is prepared to do precisely that.

We've been in the financial do dos pretty much since 2006/7. The club under successive owners has cut players and staff ever since. Hopefully the new people in charge will keep a tight rein on the money and we'll start to live within our means. They have my backing.

Wakey seem to have gone through a similar situation as us lately and I doubt if it's just us and them in this situation.

If anyone wants Whitcuts number to ask where money has gone, I've got it

1. I suspect that pressure could, if desired, be brought on Bradford Council to let the RFL, and thereby also the Bulls, off the hook as regards the lease on Odsal. ie. the Council could say ok we'll scrap the lease and you give us back the unencumbered freehold of Odsal. The Council could then do what ever is most advantageous for the people of the Bradford District with the land.

2. But, in the current climate (viz did you see the near very serious injuries at Old Trafford because of the non-existent gap between the dead ball lines and the perimeter fence [apart from that dangerous steep drop])?

Professional RL would not be allowed at Valley Parade nowadays. It's not long enough. For RL you need 100 metres for the field of play, 8 metres each for the in-goal areas and 5 metres at each end between the deadball line and the perimeter fence = 126 metres in total.

3. It shouldn't be difficult for this new board of directors to run the Bulls so it breaks even year on year from now on on the basis you are committed to not spending more than your income. The test for these directors, or any set of RL club directors, is do they have the skill/nous to gradually break-even over the years at higher and higher levels.

i.e. is it expected that in time they can get the Bulls' break-even level from say £1 milion in, £1 milion out each year up gradually to £10 milion in, £10 million out each year?

to be able to operate withing their means the club will have to forego the expectations of the fans who want to be in the playoffs, dream of Old Trafford and a visit to wembley. Unfortunately a lot of fans only attend when teams are successful, Bradfords success going forward for the next couple of years should be to not finish bottom of the league and try to rebuild from there. At least the RFL can help with a ground to play on at a minimal or zero cost

Would you not expect that the Bulls would have to pay the same rent to the RFL that the RFL has to pay to Bradford Council?

Odsal's playing area is nowhere near 100 mtrs long.
I thought last time you went to VP 5000 fans were lost and that was the reason you returned to Odsal.
That's of far more importance surely than the length of the field of play.

The RFL paya a peppercorn rent to bradford council for the primary lease. Thinks its nominally £1. Bulls pay RFL something in region of 70k a year. Pretty sure bulls would love to pay RFL same rent as RFL pays council.

Wakey seem to have gone through a similar situation as us lately and I doubt if it's just us and them in this situation.'"

Guys, any Wakefield fan will know how you feel right now.
It's tough to hear there are more financial issues when you thought the corner had been turned.

Hopefully Wakefield's position now will make you more positive. If it can't be solved by extra income streams, and you have more oportunity for that than we did, you can still steady the ship with tough decisions on general expenses as well as player salaries.
We are not there yet but are just about passed the worst and we are getting ready for start of season.

Hope you guys are successful in sorting these issues and have a great (or even just not bad) season ahead.

What an absolute mess.

Is it really that hard to run a rugby club and live within your means? Evidently so.

I thought it was as simple as evaluating the various income streams - fixed and variable, including a prudent contingency for the variable and then cut your cloth to suit. Over time develop and increase the income streams and give invest it back into the club on a break even model.

I would love to know what Robbie Paul thinks of this mess.

Its disappointing that the various cast involved in this seem to just walk away without a care in the world. Wheres Mr Hood at this time?

Unfortunately I feel the damage is now done, there was an opportunity to bounce back with a new regime and a solid plan but that ship has now sailed.

Far from it.

Facing more headwinds now, though.

And your reasoning presupposes that those running a club know what they are doing and are realistic in their financial assumptions.

One peppercorn?



Well, at least we could (probably) afford that.