The Rumour Mill .......................................... Revisited

First topic message reminder :

With the date that clubs can officially talk to players approaching the rumour mill on signings is in full swing .

So if you have heard of any rumoured signings post them on here .

Rumour is Joe Burgess is leaving the Roosters at the end of this season and returning to Wigan.
I don't blame him. Only one start when he scored 2 tries and the Roosters have only won one game in seven.

Some rumours involving rovers.

Albert Kelly is of to Wakefield either on loan/permanent.

We're getting Jacob Miller (3 year contract so the rumor goes), also in for Nick Scruton.

And we're off back to Bradford, this time for Mich Clarke.

Interesting news indeed, I have read that KR might be in for 2 Bulls forwards, Mitch Clarke has been very impressive, hands off!!! You are very welcome to Lauaki mind, maybe he is the second player???

The Beast wrote:Interesting news indeed, I have read that KR might be in for 2 Bulls forwards, Mitch Clarke has been very impressive, hands off!!!  You are very welcome to Lauaki mind, maybe he is the second player???

Oh pretty please, we'll even let you have Donaldson back.

Also heard that Hull FC are after Lee Gaskill (spelling), and ťhat you will be getting Leon Pryce back.

Yes, looks like Clarke will be with you next year, Addy the other Bulls player mentioned which again is apparently pretty well tied up. Addy I think deserves his chance at a bigger club and a run at LF, his time playing at SH for Bradford I am sure will have sharpened his kicking and passing skills. As mentioned Clarke has a few rough edges but ball in hand he takes the ball in hard and challenges defences, championship at least.

I have heard the Gaskell/Pryce rumour, the former has apparently been a target for Leigh for sometime, he imo is too good for the Championship. Pryce is quality..he is advancing in years' mind (as we all are of course).

The Beast wrote:Yes, looks like Clarke will be with you next year, Addy the other Bulls player mentioned which again is apparently pretty well tied up.  Addy I think deserves his chance at a bigger club and a run at LF, his time playing at SH for Bradford I am sure will have sharpened his kicking and passing skills.  As mentioned Clarke has a few rough edges but ball in hand he takes the ball in hard and challenges defences, championship at least.

I have heard the Gaskell/Pryce rumour, the former has apparently been a target for Leigh for sometime, he imo is too good for the Championship.  Pryce is quality..he is advancing in years' mind (as we all are of course).

Don't know much about Clarke other than what you and some other Bradford fans say. But I hope the other one is Addy, as I've rated him for a couple of years now, and think he will be a very good addition to our squad, especially if we can get him on a long term deal.

Gaskell out of contract this year, so would imagine him being chased by a few teams. If Hull do offer Pryce would be a good deal all round in my opinion.

At least you've tied O'BRIEN down to along term deal.

Forgot to mention O'Brien, excellent news for the club. Rumour is that Leeds were interested earlier this year, SL standard now imo and will only improve.

Rohan Smith (Brian Smith's son, Tony Smith's cousin), rumoured to be Bradford Bulls head coach?

Leigh;

rumour is that Rangi Chase has left the club.

Luke Burgess not getting much game time in the NRL, rumoured to coming back to the UK possibly before the end of the season, Hull KR mentioned as potentially interested. Could help your back row options IF true Tiger?

The Beast wrote:Luke Burgess not getting much game time in the NRL, rumoured to coming back to the UK possibly before the end of the season, Hull KR mentioned as potentially interested.  Could help your back row options IF true Tiger?

Back row not really a problem for us, as we've already got Blair, Horne, Greenwood (who's been excellent when I've seen him), Donaldson, Clarkson, Larroyer (who's nearly back to fitness).
So I don't think we need him especially if we are adding Addy & Clark next year.

Wigan,

rumours flying about that there was an off-field incident involving 2 or more Wigan players on Friday that could lead to serious disciplinary hearings, the club are yet to comment.

Toronto

Are apparently close to signing Craig Hall (from Wakefield), and are also rumored to be looking at Bob Beswick, Martin Ridyard & Jordan Tansey.

Also one of the Wigan players in the incident Beast mentions is rumored to be Bateman.

Hull KR

Are believed to be very close to signing Wakefield forward Nick Scruton.

Castleford

Are after former Hull KR & Huddersfield FB Greg Eden as Luke Dorns replacement.

Leeds

Are after hooker Robbie Farah from West Tigers.

Huddersfield are believed to be close to signing Gene Ormsby from Warrington. And are also believed to be after Bradford's Dale Ferguson (who would be returning to the club, and Lee Gaskill (if they do sign him be intresting to see where he plays, given the quality they already have in the halves, full back possibly).

Regarding Toronto, Dan Fleming, Bradford prop is thought to be joining.

The Gaskell/Hudds rumour might be on the basis that Brough is rumoured be going to Hull FC.

Nick Scruton would be a good signing for anyone imo, ok not a "flashy" big name bums on seats type of signing, but a consistent rock solid performer, I would take the latter over the former every time.

I'm not sure about the Brough to Hull thing is going to happen (it will now I've said opposite of course), but even so didn't they buy Brierley for that? Reason I said FB is because apparently Grix is off.

Agree about Scruton, but will be intresting to see who we let go off (rumor is Green's off to Australia), as off the top of my head we have - Tilse, Green, Mulhern, Walker, Allgood, Larroyer, Clarkson, Blair, Greenwood, Horne, Donaldson and Lawler already, and if you add that we're supposedly after Clarke and Addy. That's a lot of forwards.

Some rumours involving Bradford (sorry Beast),

Although none of these have been confirmed, it's widely believed that Lee Gaskill, and Dale Ferguson are off to Huddersfield. Mitch Clarke & Danny Addy are off to Hull KR. Dan Fleming, Steve Crossley & Adrian Purtell are joining Toronto. And Johnny Campbell, Etu Uasiele, Epalahame Lukaie, Lucas Walshaw and a few others will be allowed to leave at the end of the season.

Now I know it's been a very poor season for Bradford, and this could be a good thing, but it seems a tad risky to virtually rebuild your complete side. Though I hope it works for your sake. But didn't they do that for this season?

tigerrobins wrote:Some rumours involving Bradford (sorry Beast),

Although none of these have been confirmed, it's widely believed that Lee Gaskill, and Dale Ferguson are off to Huddersfield. Mitch Clarke & Danny Addy are off to Hull KR. Dan Fleming, Steve Crossley & Adrian Purtell are joining Toronto. And Johnny Campbell, Etu Uasiele, Epalahame Lukaie, Lucas Walshaw and a few others will be allowed to leave at the end of the season.

Now I know it's been a very poor season for Bradford, and this could be a good thing, but it seems a tad risky to virtually rebuild your complete side. Though I hope it works for your sake. But didn't they do that for this season?

This is pretty much the same as I have heard (Purtell is new to me) and partly mentioned on the General Discussion thread. There are a number of players OOC and a number of those allowed to leave have rarely played, Jean Phillipe Baille being another. The Toronto link makes sense as they will be sharing Bradford's Tong training base both before and during the season. It has been a poor season with some strange signings and perhaps so many leaving partly explains some frankly dire performances, it sounds risky but something has to change, Rohan Smith has a three year contract and has an opportunity to build his own team. Joe Keyes (London) has signed, Dane Chisholm is strongly rumoured to be joining possibly on a short term deal, at least one other London player is thought to have signed for next year. Personally I think Lewis Charnock has done well and apparently OOC at Saints, would be pleased if he could stay at least to the end of season, although he was injured in the Fax game last weekend.

Jamie Soward is apparently heading back to the UK, London, Hull KR and Saints mentioned as possible hosts.

St Helens

Are believed to be after Matty Smith (Wigan), and Kevin Brown (Widnes).

Toronto

Are also believed to be after Jarrod Sammut and Jake Emmett.

Huddersfield;

thought to have signed Paul Clough (Bradford), it appears they like Bulls players with Gaskell, Ferguson and Olbison rumoured (I have doubts that Olbison will go).

St Helens

Are believed to be close to signing Salford hooker Tommy Lee.

Salford

Are thought to be interested in Travis Burns (Saints), and Adam Tangata & Steve Tyrer (Halifax).

Not player related however despite a strongly worded statement from Bulls chairman Marc Green rumours persist of serious financial issues at the club. Managing Director Steve Ferres has left and it is now reported that the staff and players have not been paid their July salaries.

Hull KR

If we stay. In SL it's believed that Daniel Mortimer will be joining the club. And that there will be a clear out at the club (Larroyer and Boudebza have already been made available).

Bradford

Are believed to be after Karl Pryce rejoining them for a third time, and re-uniting the Pryce brothers.
meanwhile LONDON are thought to be after Jay Pitts and Adrian Purtell.

Wakefield

are thought to be after John Boudebza from Hull KR.

tigerrobins wrote:Bradford

Are believed to be after Karl Pryce rejoining them for a third time, and re-uniting the Pryce brothers.
meanwhile LONDON are thought to be after Jay Pitts and Adrian Purtell.

Wakefield

are thought to be after John Boudebza from Hull KR.

To the best of my knowledge Pitts & Purtell have offers from London to consider. I have also heard the Pryce rumour not sure if that has any legs.


Saints

rumoured to be (re)signing Matty Smith from Wigan.

The Beast wrote:Regarding Toronto, Dan Fleming, Bradford prop is thought to be joining.

The Gaskell/Hudds rumour might be on the basis that Brough is rumoured be going to Hull FC.

Nick Scruton would be a good signing for anyone imo, ok not a "flashy" big name bums on seats type of signing, but a consistent rock solid performer, I would take the latter over the former every time.

Stating the obvious but i think Toronto are going to be a formidable side

Some rumors involving Rovers.

Wakefield are believed to be after Terry Campese & Albert Kelly. With Rovers believed to be after Danny Kirmond. Leigh are after James Green (who it's believed has been told he can go), And Salford are in for Maurice Blair.
There is also believed to be a few Salford players that will be following Tim Sheens to Craven Park.

tigerrobins wrote:Some rumors involving Rovers.

Wakefield are believed to be after Terry Campese & Albert Kelly. With Rovers believed to be after Danny Kirmond. Leigh are after James Green (who it's believed has been told he can go), And Salford are in for Maurice Blair.
There is also believed to be a few Salford players that will be following Tim Sheens to Craven Park.

I can't see why anybody would be interested in Campese with his injury history.
I'm not doubting his ability but he spends more time in the treatment room than he does on the pitch.

Leigh;

signing Jamie Soward (London)?, also talk of Ryan Atkins (Warrington) however this is being denied by Wire.

The Beast wrote:Leigh;

signing Jamie Soward (London)?, also talk of Ryan Atkins (Warrington) however this is being denied by Wire.

I know London only have an outside chance of getting promoted, but it would be interesting to see what would happen with Soward if they did.

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:Leigh;

signing Jamie Soward (London)?, also talk of Ryan Atkins (Warrington) however this is being denied by Wire.

I know London only have an outside chance of getting promoted, but it would be interesting to see what would happen with Soward if they did.

Yes, there are a few in that mould, Addy & Clark (Bulls) have by all accounts signed for Hull KR and as you mentioned earlier what would Tim Sheens position be? Messrs Gaskell, Ferguson & Clough (again Bulls) will be relieved as they are expected to join the Giants.

The Beast wrote:

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:Leigh;

signing Jamie Soward (London)?, also talk of Ryan Atkins (Warrington) however this is being denied by Wire.

I know London only have an outside chance of getting promoted, but it would be interesting to see what would happen with Soward if they did.

Yes, there are a few in that mould, Addy & Clark (Bulls) have by all accounts signed for Hull KR and as you mentioned earlier what would Tim Sheens position be?  Messrs Gaskell, Ferguson & Clough (again Bulls) will be relieved as they are expected to join the Giants.

If the rumors are to believed then Soward will be playing for Leigh next season.

Danny Addy,

with his Hull KR contract being void and whilst KR are apparently still keen Wakefield are thought to be interested.

Denny Solomona Cas to Sale RU?

Morgan Escare Catalans to Wigan?

Huddersfield;

widely reported to have signed Dale Ferguson, Lee Gaskell & Paul Clough from Bradford are rumoured to be trying to off-load all three! Ferguson to Wakefield is rumoured, no news on the other two. There were rumours at the back end of the season that Clough & Gaskell refused to play for Bradford, personally I take this with a pinch of salt, it makes no sense to me, possibly unhappy Bulls fans irritated that they were injured.

It would appear that despite positive noises over the past few weeks from the administrator (rumoured to have gone on holiday) Bradford Bulls will be liquidated on Friday.

http://www.totalrl.com/exclusive-bradford-players-stop-training-amid-warning-liquidation/

The Beast wrote:It would appear that despite positive noises over the past few weeks from the administrator (rumoured to have gone on holiday) Bradford Bulls will be liquidated on Friday.

http://www.totalrl.com/exclusive-bradford-players-stop-training-amid-warning-liquidation/

Not the news any of us wanted to hear.

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:It would appear that despite positive noises over the past few weeks from the administrator (rumoured to have gone on holiday) Bradford Bulls will be liquidated on Friday.

http://www.totalrl.com/exclusive-bradford-players-stop-training-amid-warning-liquidation/

Not the news any of us wanted to hear.

if this is true, I genuinely feel sorry for you and the Bradford fans who have stuck with the club.

Not sure how in the past couple of weeks it's gone from 4 genuine bids, to this. But I honestly hope that something is done to save the club.

Thank you for the support, it is appreciated.

Interesting Comments from the RFL (who I led to believe posted then withdrew this statement;

"Following the statement made yesterday by the administrators of Bradford Bulls, that a significant announcement is expected in the next 48 hours, the RFL would like to reiterate and clarify its position on the current situation at the club to avoid any confusion going forward.

It is the role of the RFL to protect the interests of the game of Rugby League. We understand that a number of interested parties have made it clear that any interest in buying the Club is contingent on the RFL transferring its leasehold interest in Odsal to that party at an unspecified value. Clearly this is not an asset of the Club, and therefore not available to be sold by the administrator.

However at every point in the process we have been clear that the RFL Board would consider entering into separate discussions with any party to purchase the RFL’s interest, provided that the offer was reflective of the inherent value of the asset and safeguarded rugby league in Bradford. Whilst to date we have not received any substantive approach regarding our leasehold interest from any interested party, we remain open to such discussions.

The RFL would also like to reiterate that when a club enters administration due to poor local management, it is only right and proper that it protects the integrity of the league to ensure other properly managed member clubs do not suffer a disadvantage, by applying a sporting sanction. The exact sanction depends upon whether an arrangement is made with the existing clubs creditors and if so the scale of such an arrangement. These are set out within the guidelines of the RFL's Insolvency Policy and the maximum sanction is a 12 point deduction.

Finally we would like to say to all supporters, players and staff of Bradford Bulls that we are pushing for, and hopeful of, a positive conclusion in the coming days and we will continue to work closely with the administrator to try to ensure that this is the case.

- See more at: http://www.rugby-league.com/article/390 ... mjKwr.dpuf"

We should have news in the next 48 hours, I am still hopeful..........but prepared for bad news. I am more concerned for the staff to be honest, frankly I feel sick for them.

On the back page of the T&A today. It says that the above is not totally accurate. That of the 4 bidders, the preferred 2 are going through due diligence, and what happened yesterday was the date for final bids set by the administrators. Hopefully it will all work out for you.

You would think that re-obtaining Odsal has to be one of the important points, if for no other reason than for the club keeping match day revenue.

tigerrobins wrote:On the back page of the T&A today. It says that the above is not totally accurate. That of the 4 bidders, the preferred 2 are going through due diligence, and what happened yesterday was the date for final bids set by the administrators. Hopefully it will all work out for you.

You would think that re-obtaining Odsal has to be one of the important points, if for no other reason than for the club keeping match day revenue.

I think all the while the RFL have the lease to Odsal Bradford hve a chance, but that might mean starting from National league 1.

George Hotel1895 wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:On the back page of the T&A today. It says that the above is not totally accurate. That of the 4 bidders, the preferred 2 are going through due diligence, and what happened yesterday was the date for final bids set by the administrators. Hopefully it will all work out for you.

You would think that re-obtaining Odsal has to be one of the important points, if for no other reason than for the club keeping match day revenue.

I think all the while the RFL have the lease to Odsal Bradford hve a chance, but that might mean starting from National league 1.

they do, which is why some bidders have been put off. To get Odsal is a completely different set of negotiations, and is NOT included in any take over Bradford.

Even if they are taken over and start in the championship, they will probably get a 12 point deduction. And with the best will in the world, íts very hard to see them qualify for the top 4 (which is were they really need to be). Especially as they have Rovers in 3 games. Not impossible just extremelyhard.

tigerrobins wrote:

George Hotel1895 wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:On the back page of the T&A today. It says that the above is not totally accurate. That of the 4 bidders, the preferred 2 are going through due diligence, and what happened yesterday was the date for final bids set by the administrators. Hopefully it will all work out for you.

You would think that re-obtaining Odsal has to be one of the important points, if for no other reason than for the club keeping match day revenue.

I think all the while the RFL have the lease to Odsal Bradford hve a chance, but that might mean starting from National league 1.

they do, which is why some bidders have been put off. To get Odsal is a completely different set of negotiations, and is NOT included in any take over Bradford.

Even if they are taken over and start in the championship, they will probably get a 12 point deduction. And with the best will in the world, íts very hard to see them qualify for the top 4 (which is were they really need to be). Especially as they have Rovers in 3 games. Not impossible just extremelyhard.

I know it might sound odd, but couldn't the RFL move lock stock and barrell into Odsal get a lottery grant get a 99 year lease on the ground and do up the ground to international standard and let Bradford play out of it and hold at least 1 international their every year and play challenge cup semi finals there as well?
And no, i haven't had a beer since last weekend

George Hotel1895 wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:

George Hotel1895 wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:On the back page of the T&A today. It says that the above is not totally accurate. That of the 4 bidders, the preferred 2 are going through due diligence, and what happened yesterday was the date for final bids set by the administrators. Hopefully it will all work out for you.

You would think that re-obtaining Odsal has to be one of the important points, if for no other reason than for the club keeping match day revenue.

I think all the while the RFL have the lease to Odsal Bradford hve a chance, but that might mean starting from National league 1.

they do, which is why some bidders have been put off. To get Odsal is a completely different set of negotiations, and is NOT included in any take over Bradford.

Even if they are taken over and start in the championship, they will probably get a 12 point deduction. And with the best will in the world, íts very hard to see them qualify for the top 4 (which is were they really need to be). Especially as they have Rovers in 3 games. Not impossible just extremelyhard.

I know it might sound odd, but couldn't the RFL move lock stock and barrell into Odsal get a lottery grant get a 99 year lease on the ground and do up the ground to international standard and let Bradford play out of it and hold at least 1 international their every year and play challenge cup semi finals there as well?
And no, i haven't had a beer since last weekend

Well the wait continues;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/38347902

I am hopeful the talk of liquidation are tactics by the administrators to move the issue forward however there are rumours that bidders have been frustrated by their actions and lack of communication. Odsal is the problem/attraction. For years there has been talk of turning it into the "Wembley" of the North however it is reportedly very expensive to run and in need of investment.

In my mind either someone comes in with investment or the club starts again, away from Odsal as I cannot see a part-time side in Championship 1 being able to maintain the stadium and invest in a successful team.

If it's good news to the best of my knowledge the points deduction is based on the level and speed creditors are paid. I think you are spot on Tiger, 12 points (6 games) in a league where you can probably only lose 8 games to make the top 4 will mean promotion opportunities/extra cash from the middle 8's are pretty slim. The reality is the Bulls finished 5th last year, have Hull KR 3 times and are second favourite away (arguably home too) at London, Fev, Batley, Fax and possibly Toulouse. Possibly fair however the problem as I mentioned when the club went into administration, how many will buy tickets on this basis?

I have read rumours on the RFL moving from Red Hall to Odsal which might make sense however whilst a Bulls fan the club cannot be allowed competition advantage I think the RFL are entirely reasonable in their approach.

As you would imagine I have been watching this unfold all week like a hawk. Not yet a done deal but good news hopefully on the way.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/38422690

Fingers, toes, eyebrows crossed for next week.

Merry Christmas to all, best wishes to you and families.


Beast

Latest news (press release as the website is down) after a roller coaster week with more to follow next week, feel for the staff and players.

https://twitter.com/OfficialBullsRL/status/814923602055331840

Happy New Year.

James Clare, Bradford to Leigh who apparently have out-bid Castleford. Reports that Bulls players have not been paid thus I would expect more to leave, for which no-one will complain. This assumes the club survives at all!

Bradford Bulls have today been liquidated.

Sorry Beast, you now that I have genuine sympathys with you and other real Bradford fans who have stuck with the club after there glory years. And through the shambolic running of the club during recent years.

But

you have people putting bids in for a heavily debted club that are rejected for whatever reason. Suddenly the club is liquidated and all there debts are wiped clean (given bidders can't own the ground), and lo and behold, the suddenly the club could be taken over by the end of the week, carry on in the championship (abert with a 12 point deduction). Sorry but this does leave a sour taste in the mouth.

tigerrobins wrote:Bradford Bulls have today been liquidated.

Sorry Beast, you now that I have genuine sympathys with you and other real Bradford fans who have stuck with the club after there glory years. And through the shambolic running of the club during recent years.

But

you have people putting bids in for a heavily debted club that are rejected for whatever reason. Suddenly the club is liquidated and all there debts are wiped clean (given bidders can't own the ground), and lo and behold, the suddenly the club could be taken over by the end of the week, carry on in the championship (abert with a 12 point deduction). Sorry but this does leave a sour taste in the mouth.

Thank you Tiger, whilst very disappointed it is very much the staff and players who I feel for, some have joined the club giving up other opportunities/jobs, nothing short of a kick in the teeth.

Regarding the offer of Championship Rugby, I was stunned by this, albeit IF that happens -12 and with the lowest funding in the division is imo not necessarily best for the club and again imo is best for the RFL who own the lease and have likely budgeted the fees they would receive and of course having to deal with another team joining the division at the last mintue, presumably Whitehaven. I would be interested to know if other clubs particularly 'Haven have been consulted.

IF a new owner is found by the end of the week they have an incredible amount of work to do, new club, no staff, players, coaches, tickets to sell, 3 weeks before playing Hull KR at Craven Park. My concern which I mentioned in November when going into administration is that steps are taken which lead to this happening again and/or potentially giving the club an unfair competitive advantage, this might be the scenario a lot depending on the next few days i.e. who comes in and which players/coaches stay (Clare, Welham & Mellor reportedly gone). I am confident there is a good percentage of fans who would prefer to start again in 2018 with a competitive squad in Ch. 1., away from Odsal and no punishments.

The administrator rejected a bid the RFL supported, perhaps the report will shed some light to the process in making that decision.

O'Brien gone today.

you've really got to ask what the administrator has been doing, because in my opinion it seems to be whats best for his firm (and money they're getting), and not for the club.

maybe your right, restart the club in championship1, because at this moment it's hard seeing you being anything other then at the bottom. Which could have a further negative impact on fans. Where as what you suggest might bring some positivity.