Bradford to leave Odsal for groundshare with Dewsbury at Tetley’s Stadium

Drew Darbyshire 16 Aug 2019 8:50 AM

Bradford will leave Odsal at the end of the season and groundshare with Championship neighbours Dewsbury at the Tetley’s Stadium.

The Bulls claim the 22,739-capacity Odsal stadium is no longer financially viable. The club have signed a two-year deal to play at Dewsbury’s 5,100-capacity Tetley’s Stadium 10 miles away as they look to create a new stadium in the city of Bradford.

According to Andrew Chalmers, discussions between Bradford Council – which owns Odsal – and the Rugby Football League – who bought the lease in 2012 – could not settle on a resolution for the Bulls.

In his column for the Telegraph & Argus, Chalmers said: “This difficult decision has been made firmly in the best long-term interests of the club.

“It’s a decision which provides financial sustainability, protects the history and legacy of the Bradford Bulls.

“I can envisage Tetley’s Stadium being sold out next season and what a fabulous atmosphere for the Bradford Bulls fans to enjoy.”

Chalmers revealed the club looked intro sharing grounds with Bradford’s Park Avenue’s Horsfall Stadium and Bradford City’s Valley Parade – but they were deemed not suitable.

The RFL have released a statement since the Bulls announced they are temporarily moving to Dewsbury.

It read: “Bradford’s request to use the Tetley’s Stadium in Dewsbury as a home ground remains subject to the approval of the RFL board, who are charged with making a decision in the best interests of the sport.

We have not received an application, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment until we do.”