Bradford to leave Odsal for groundshare with Dewsbury at Tetley’s Stadium

Bradford will leave Odsal at the end of the season and groundshare with Championship neighbours Dewsbury at the Tetley’s Stadium.

The Bulls claim the 22,739-capacity Odsal stadium is no longer financially viable. The club have signed a two-year deal to play at Dewsbury’s 5,100-capacity Tetley’s Stadium 10 miles away as they look to create a new stadium in the city of Bradford.

According to Andrew Chalmers, discussions between Bradford Council – which owns Odsal – and the Rugby Football League – who bought the lease in 2012 – could not settle on a resolution for the Bulls.

In his column for the Telegraph & Argus, Chalmers said: “This difficult decision has been made firmly in the best long-term interests of the club.

“It’s a decision which provides financial sustainability, protects the history and legacy of the Bradford Bulls.

“I can envisage Tetley’s Stadium being sold out next season and what a fabulous atmosphere for the Bradford Bulls fans to enjoy.”

Chalmers revealed the club looked intro sharing grounds with Bradford’s Park Avenue’s Horsfall Stadium and Bradford City’s Valley Parade – but they were deemed not suitable.

The RFL have released a statement since the Bulls announced they are temporarily moving to Dewsbury.

It read: “Bradford’s request to use the Tetley’s Stadium in Dewsbury as a home ground remains subject to the approval of the RFL board, who are charged with making a decision in the best interests of the sport.

We have not received an application, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment until we do.”

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