BRADFORD BULLS chairman Marc Green has been named ‘Man of The Year’ byLeague Express, the UK’s leading rugby league newspaper.
Martyn Sadler, League Express’ managing editor, revealed the news in today’s edition of the newspaper, as part of his weekly column.
An extract from the article can be read below.
“I know a lot of Bulls supporters, and they are walking with a spring in their step. And not only that, they are buying lots of season tickets and they are not having to be bribed with discount prices to do so,” explained Sadler.
“I would go so far as to say that the Bulls’ supporters are probably as happy, optimistic and committed as any group of supporters in Rugby League.
“And that’s why their owner Marc Green is my Man of the Year for 2014.
“He is the man who has turned a ship that was heading for the rocks into calmer waters, in the process bringing back some of the spirit that made the Bulls such a success story in the early years of Super League.
“So how has he restored the belief of the Bulls’ supporters, who are not necessarily easy to impress?
“By a combination of hard work from everyone at the club, making the right appointments, drawing upon all his business connections to persuade them to sponsor the club, and ensuring that everything the club does is designed to make its supporters feel proud of it.
“And ultimately that’s the secret. If we feel proud of Rugby League, and proud of our clubs, then the sky’s the limit. In that case we’ll communicate that pride to everyone we meet, and our friends will also want to come on board.
“That’s what I think has happened at Bradford.”
Mr Green has moved to thank Martyn Sadler and League Express, insisting he is looking forward to a bright future at The Provident Stadium.
“I am honoured, humbled and somewhat surprised to have been named ‘Man of The Year’ by Martyn Sadler and his newspaper,” added the Bulls chairman.
“Since taking ownership of this great club I have enjoyed a roller coaster ride, with public opinion changing from the understandable distrusting negativity and concern to the positivity we see today.
“I would like to think this is as a result of concentrating on making our actions speak louder than our words.
“But there is so much more to do and I am looking forward to seeing the plans we have been developing both off and on the field coming to fruition over the coming season and years ahead.
“I would like to thank those supporters who stayed loyal – despite a million reasons not to, those who have started to return for believing again, all of our commercial partners from Provident the main sponsor through to the smallest contributor, as every bit helps.
“I would also like to thank the Rugby Football League, who have so far demonstrated their support for everything we are looking to build including our ongoing discussions about returning ownership of the ground.
“I would like to finish by wishing everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.”
