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Sunday, 3 March, 2002, 16:26 GMT
Bulls still keen on Odsal return
Wigan's Jamie Ainscough charges at the Bradford defence
Bradford beat Wigan in their opening league match
Bradford Bulls coach Brian Noble remains optimistic the re-development of their old Odsal Stadium home will go ahead.

Plans for the proposed 26,000 all-seater facility in the south of the city are in doubt following last week's government decision to hold a full planning inquiry into the project.

That inquiry will take place despite the club receiving approval from Bradford City Council for the redeveloped stadium last December.


I don't think that the stadium is dead and buried
Brian Noble

The Bulls are playing their home games at Bradford City's Valley Parade football ground for the second consecutive season.

But Noble told the BBC's Super League Show that the new development at Odsal could still be revived.

"I don't think that the stadium is dead and buried," Noble said.

"I think there will be announcements in the next couple of weeks. There's no point in looking backwards as a club.

"What will be will be, but the players and coaches at the club remain fully focused on trying to retain our Super League title."

Bradford City AFC, the owners of Valley Parade, do not want the current ground-sharing arrangement to continue into next year.

Paul Deacon is a key figure for the Bulls
Paul Deacon is a key figure for the Bulls

If that position does not change, then the Bulls could find themselves forced to return to a dilapidated Odsal.

But despite an uncertain future off the field, the Bulls began the defence of their Super League title with an impressive 18-4 victory over Wigan Warriors on Friday.

It was just what Noble had ordered after a shock home defeat to Leeds Rhinos in the Challenge Cup fourth round a week earlier.

"We played it tough and skilful at Wigan," he said. "We stopped them from playing, but I'm sure they'll bounce back later in the season.

"We've only just started what I believe to be the most competitive rugby league season ever."

Bradford are now firm favourites with the bookmakers to retain their Super League crown.


The Super League Show will be broadcast on BBC2 - in the north of England only - at 1115 GMT every Sunday from 3 March until 20 October.

See also:

09 Feb 02 |  Challenge Cup
Leeds wreck Bulls' treble dream
01 Feb 02 |  Rugby League
Brilliant Bulls take world title
09 Mar 02 |  Rugby League
Bulls get stadium go-ahead
08 Nov 00 |  Rugby League
Bulls move to the Valley
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