New deadline in Bradford saga

James Gordon

The latest deadline in the Bradford saga is next Tuesday, when the four bidders for the club must submit their business plans to the RFL.

Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle met with the RFL on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the four bids currently on the table to buy the stricken Super League club.

RFL Chief Operating Officer, Ralph Rimmer said: “We had constructive meetings with all the consortia that have submitted proposals to the administrator and we’re optimistic about the future of Bradford Bulls.

“There are now four confirmed bids for the Bulls and each consortium has been asked to submit business plans to us by Tuesday August 21. Due to the sensitive nature of the current discussions we are unable to confirm who the bids are from at present.

“However, it does appear that this renewed interest has come as a direct consequence of the offer from Super League Europe Ltd, which remains on the table.

“We understand the frustration regarding the on-going process but it is vital that due diligence is carried out on all the bids and that ultimately the right owners are found for the good of the club and the sport as a whole.”

As well as the offer from Super League, it is believed another offer is from Bradford City Football Club.

Guilfoyle said: “We are pleased to be working collaboratively with the RFL to agree on a purchaser and sell the club. We now have all the ingredients that the RFL has requested and funds proven from three bidders plus the Super League Europe Ltd offer.

“The RFL will consider the bidders’ business plans which are to be received by the Tuesday deadline, and all concerned do understand the need to bring this to a swift conclusion.”

The RFL have already rejected a handful of conditional offers for the club, which has been in administration for the past two months.

That resulted in them receiving a six point deduction in the Super League standings, but they still find themselves well in the hunt for a play-off place at the end of the season.