Bradford Bulls promotion 'means a lot,' fans say

Landlady at The Top House pub, Elaine Crowther, hoped promotion would mean larger crowds

After an 11-year absence, rugby league side Bradford Bulls have been promoted to compete in Super League in 2026.

Over the years, many of their fans have celebrated - and drowned their sorrows - at The Top House pub, which stands opposite the club's Odsal Stadium.

On the walls are posters harking back to rugby league's glory days.

One of the posters is from the Challenge Cup Final replay game back in May 1954 when 102,575 fans packed into the ground to watch Warringotn beat Halifax.

Elaine Crowther is landlady of the pub and a dedicated Bulls fan.

The 62-year-old said: "I think promotion is a good thing, some people wanted them to go up, some people didn't.

"My business will be better, well I hope so. Crowd-wise, it will be."

She said few teams had brought away fans with them for matches while Bradford Bulls were in the Championship.

"Whereas for Super League, it's different," she added.

Christine Watt has supported the Bulls since she was seven years old

The Bulls will replace Salford Red Devils in the league after they were awarded the highest Grade B status under the sport's grading system.

Gradings are conducted by media giant IMG under Rugby League Commercial's 'Reimagining Rugby League' initiative, which assesses clubs based on performance, on and off the field.

The club was a dominant force during the 2000s but endured an absence filled with financial troubles and a stint in the third-tier League One in 2018.

Christine Watt, 70, from Buttershaw, has been a Bulls supporter since she was seven.

The former St John Ambulance worker said she was untroubled by how promotion was achieved through the grading system.

She said: "It's brilliant, it's about time Bradford was put back on the map.

"We've lost a lot of things in Bradford so this means a lot, this means a heck of a lot."

Peter Wightman recalled the days when the club was known as Bradford Northern

Peter Wightman, 76, is a retired electrical sign fitter from Odsal who has watched the Bulls for four decades.

As he sat with a pint, he mused on the prospect of a revival of a local rivalry.

"When they play Leeds Rhinos, it's always a classic game," he said.

"And always well supported every time.

"I used to come every other Sunday with my dad to watch the home games when the club was called Bradford Northern.

"Now they win some weeks, other times they get hammered. It's the same as every team in The Championship, I suppose.

"I hope they do well. If they have the money to buy some players, get some bought."

Paul Harper is not a rugby league fan but thinks promotion will be good for the city

Singer and entertainer Paul Harper admitted he was not a sports fan, but said the club's promotion was a boost for the city.

The 62-year-old ex-drummer said: "I remember them when they were Bradford Northern because a good friend of mine, who used to be my roadie, was one of their best players - Mr Keith Mumby, a legend.

"I hope they do well," said Mr Harper, from Low Moor.

"Obviously it will do businesses good because they will bring in extra revenue. It'll help the Bradford area, it'll be good."

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