Potter is new Bradford coach

Bradford have confirmed the appointment of Mick Potter as their new head coach from next season.

Potter, 46, makes a return to Odsal having spent three years as assistant coach to Matthew Elliott between 1996 and 1999, and replaces Steve McNamara, who was released from his contract earlier this week.

Potter coached Catalans Dragons in their inaugural Super League season and led them to the Challenge Cup final in 2007. His success saw him make the move to St Helens to replace Daniel Anderson for 2009, and he led Saints to the Super League Grand Final last term.

Bradford chairman Peter Hood said: “Mick was initially intent on returning home to Australia at the end of the current Engage Super League season. I’m delighted we were able to persuade him to change his mind and instead commit the next two years to Bradford Bulls. We are excited at the prospect of welcoming back one of our own, an exceptionally talented Head Coach with a proven track record of success.”

The vacancy at Odsal arose after McNamara accepted the England head coach’s role on a full-time basis, although was allowed to continue as Bulls head coach for the remainder of this season.

However, after a disappointing run of results, McNamara parted company with the club earlier this week, with assistant Lee St Hilaire taking care of first team matters until the end of 2010.

St Helens are yet to announce a successor to Potter.

Last week, Huddersfield confirmed that coach Nathan Brown will remain at the club for the 2011 season, despite an announcement earlier in the season that the Australian would return home at the end of the current campaign, while Catalans have already confirmed Trent Robinson as their new head coach for next season, replacing the outgoing Kevin Walters.