Caisley aims to rescue Bulls

Former Bradford chairman Chris Caisley has offered to lead a rescue act for the beleaguered Bulls, but insists his successor Peter Hood must first step down.

Caisley was at the helm throughout the club's glory years at Odsal in the early days of Super League before parting the scene in 2006, but he remains the largest single stakeholder with 25% of the shares.

Calling for an extraordinary general meeting, he believes Hood and his fellow director Andrew Bennett have lost the faith of the shareholders and must make way now to facilitate a potential takeover.

The crisis-torn club must raise £1million - at least half by 5pm on Friday - or face going into administration with a big tax bill looming. They have so far reached £300,000 in pledges.

Caisley says he can deliver a business strategy to save the club from financial ruin and had received support from a number of high-profile figures such as actor and Bulls fan Duncan Preston and former Bradford and Great Britain coach Brian Noble.

"The majority shareholders have asked Peter Hood and Andrew Bennett to stand aside in order that work could commence immediately, but they have declined to do so," Caisley told the Bradford Telegraph & Argus.

"Peter seemingly believes that he and Mr Bennett give the club the best chance of successfully finding a pathway through the financial difficulties because they are in discussions with potential investors who are of a similar view.

"The majority shareholders disagree and have therefore asked the club's directors to convene an extraordinary general meeting when the matter can be dealt with."