BRADFORD PARK AVENUE benefactor Gareth Roberts has ruled himself out of buying troubled Rugby League club Bradford Bulls.
Recent speculation in local media has linked Roberts with a move for the Bulls, who are in administration for the third time in five years.
Roberts enquired about taking over the Bulls before he bought Avenue in January 2015 but the Texas-based businessman says he is now completely focused on the National League North club.
“I’m aware of rumours that I am making a bid to buy the Bradford Bulls,” he said. “That is not the case. We still have a lot to do to deliver on our plans for Avenue and that remains my main focus in the city.”
Though now living in the United States, Roberts grew up in Holme Wood, Bradford, and was a life-long supporter of Avenue before taking over.
Roberts has since donated his majority shareholding to help convert Avenue into a community benefits society owned by the fans.
He is still heavily involved in the club, however, and was in the UK recently to talk with the local council regarding a long-term lease for Avenue’s Horsfall Stadium site with redevelopment work in mind.
While he has no intentions of buying the Bulls, Roberts reckons the two clubs could work together in the future for the good of the city.
“I do believe that there’s great potential for the clubs to work together in the future and we would welcome the chance to talk to whoever the new owner is going to be,” he added.
“Given how close our grounds are, there is definitely an opportunity for us to explore things like sharing some of our facilities and services and for working together to expand multi-sport opportunities for young people in south Bradford.
“I’d be very open to talking about this potential, which would not only benefit the two clubs but also the local community.”
