Following the recent announcement by the Bradford Bulls about the financial situation, the BullBuilder committee were as shocked and disappointed as any other supporter. Since then, as a result of informal discussions with the club, we are satisfied that the situation is one of extreme gravity, which indeed requires an immediate cash injection.

After detailed discussions as a committee, we are convinced that it is of paramount importance for the club to raise sufficient funds to avoid administration. We believe that administration would, at the least, mean that BullBuilder’s efforts in support of junior Bradford Bulls players would have been wasted as other clubs reap the benefits of players already developed and currently coming through the system. At worst, there are no guarantees that the Bulls will survive in any form, given that the club’s position is unique and not directly comparable to other recent administrations, such as that from which Wakefield emerged last season.

Although many people have contacted BullBuilder directly and indirectly, and have expressed opinions in the media to the effect that they are reluctant to pledge because of lack of confidence in the current board, we feel that such issues can only be addressed after the immediate priority of saving the club from administration has been resolved. As a result we urge our members, the fan-base and the Rugby League community as a whole to support the club’s efforts to raise the necessary funds via the pledge and related fundraising efforts.

We acknowledge those suggestions that BullBuilder might act as a conduit for funds from supporters unwilling to pledge directly to the club. However, we feel that there is insufficient time to arrange this effectively, and that it could only detract from the overall fund-raising effort.

This is in no way to be seen as an endorsement of the current board, and we will urgently seek meetings with the club to try to ensure that the views of the supporters are better represented, to improve transparency and to strengthen links between the club and the fans. However, we wish to emphasise that none of this can happen unless the club survives the current crisis.

rlhttps://www.bullbuilder.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?GUID

Thanks for the statement. Could someone clarify why our situation is not directly comparable with other administrations?

That's what I've been waiting for. Time to pledge! Cheers.

Some answers here by the look of it. viewtopic.php?f=19&t=523090&start=560

Some answers here by the look of it. viewtopic.php?f=19&t=523090&start=560

I’m new to Forum- supporter since 70’s-season ticket holder-shareholder.
Rumours and recriminations abound on the history, reasons and culprits behind this affair. There is anger, disbelief and frustration among fans.
Some home truths must be faced:
1) The lack of sufficient overdraft facilities, lack of a major sponsor, lack of clarity surrounding the potential tax liabilities re-image rights, potential continuing legal issues, falling gates, indifferent performances on the field, high fixed operating costs (150 employees including playing staff), and the risk of default in paying wages in the immediate future.
2) A high level of uncertainty as to the use to which any donations to the current appeal from the Directors will be put.
Given these facts, a realistic view must be that some sort of reformation will take place, possibly via administration, and if you believe this, then donations to the current appeal would seem futile.
How can you help ? There already exists a supporters’ Trust in the name of BullBuilder. This is a properly-constituted body under the auspices of the FSA and the Supporters Direct organisation, which has to follow legal guidelines in its operation and accounting activities. It has a Board of Directors who report directly to its members. You could become a member now for a small fee and get a voice.
Better still, an immediate proactive move would be a decision by the Trust Board to open a specific ‘BullSaver‘account, into which all donations could be deposited and, more importantly, ring-fenced. Members would then be entitled to get involved in any later decision as to how these funds are spent, once the outcome of current negotiations regarding any reformation of the Club are known.
I am currently not a member of BullBuilder, but will most likely join, as I see it as the only possible vehicle for action by the fans. I mention it here because, my wife being a Board member of another Supporters Trust, I have some knowledge as to how effective this kind of body can be in these circumstances.
Yours in Sport, believing we can yet have a competitive RL team in Bradford to support, in whatever format and at whatever level may be possible.

Although BullBuilder are set up to liaise with the club in terms of the Academy, there's nothing to say that they can't try to take a more prominent role moving forwards should the club allow them to do so and the board at Bullbuilder deem this suitable.

Bullbuilder do speak with the club regularly and I think that the statement outlines the fact that many fans are concerned with the current management, but its pretty clear that without a club there is nothing to change or try to improve.

It's convinced me to pledge as personally I feel let down by the current board, but given that, I'd rather there be a club run by Hood and the rest, than no club at all.

Good luck to you all, i can't help but think that you've missed a trick, but hey!
There has been an awful lot of support and advice given to you, I personally am surprised you have decided to throw your lot in with the people who have got you here but thats your choice.
I sincerely hope it works out well, as i think you will receive little support if it goes pear shaped again in the near future.
KC.