The sheer drop from being one of the game’s major players to a side rebuilt in the bottom tier has taken some of the edge away from Bradford’s claim to be a powerhouse.<\/p>\n
It had an effect on the fanbase, the type of player they were able to recruit, and their sway with investors.<\/p>\n
However, any fears of the Bulls sliding back into their prior demise have been allayed thanks to the investment of a passionate board, and the club-at-heart mentality of chief executive and hometown fan Jason Hirst.<\/p>\n
Their foundation carries the important role of spreading the sport to a new audience, while partnerships with amateur clubs in the area are also a vital way of establishing links with the community.<\/p>\n
Off the field, Bulls have consistently turned a profit in recent seasons, while on it there has been careful rebuilding by a string of coaches starting with John Kear, who brought them back from the League One doldrums and restored pride at Odsal, before Mark Dunning maintained the upward curve.<\/p>\n
Up until the end of last season, former boss Brian Noble – who led Bulls to multiple major trophies during their heyday – was brought back after highly-rated Eamon O’Carroll was snared by St Helens to join their staff, and Noble’s legacy as a Bradford legend helped restore some of their DNA, passion and professionalism.<\/p>\n
Now the reins are to be entrusted to another excellent young coach in Haggerty, who served his apprenticeship at Toronto Wolfpack, Leigh and Salford Red Devils before taking this job.<\/p>\n
“I couldn’t be prouder, but it’s for people like Jason, Brian and the board of directors, the journey they’ve gone through to get this club into Super League is pretty amazing,” Haggerty added.<\/p>\n