Rugby league journalist John Davidson broke the news on Sunday of Vickers’ appointment by the Bulls, reminding readers of the rugby league standout’s past.
Vickers resigned from his post at Post Office Road in September last year, shortly before the club went into administration.
He joined Featherstone in 2021 and during his time there, the club was hit by allegations of increasing debts to players, suppliers and non-payment.
A number of players successfully took Featherstone to work in order to collect the money they were owed during that time.
Vickers also worked for the Toronto Wolfpack, when they weren’t dealing with players, vendors and debt workers.
Before that, he was CEO of Salford, at the time controversial Marwan Koukash owned the club, when the Red Devils breached the wage gap and were in court over payments owed to players and staff.
Vickers was also previously employed by Salford Council, and the council was investigated in 2014.
Bulls fans took to T&A expressing concern about Vickers’ selection, and what it could mean for their team.
We asked the group’s CEO, Jason Hirst, who kindly answered our questions in the form of a Q&A we presented…
Q: Is it true that Martin works in a group?
A: That’s right
Q: If so, do you have a say in the finances/spending or are you just looking for new business opportunities for the team?
A: The last one
Q: In the wake of the Featherstone mass extinction a few months ago, can you understand people’s concerns?
A: The journalist is worried, no, it’s the headline, today’s journalism.
Supporters have no reason to worry, Martin has been hired as a Business Manager, tasked with bringing in more business income – something he is doing with great success.
This helps us to strengthen our team and match day experience.
The recent signings of Jack Ormondroyd, Chris Atkin and Phoenix Steinwede (along with a welcome and kind donation from Squad Booster, for Phoenix) would not have been possible without the additional business income we have received since Martin joined us.
Q: What skills does Martin add to the team off the field to make this conference worthwhile? Like the team expected the backlash once this was announced?
A: Martin has the exact skills required of a Sales Manager, if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be doing the job he does.
Every meeting made by this team is designed to improve and drive the team forward, on and off the field.
Q: What is your message of encouragement to the fans, who may be worried about the team going forward with Vickers in the post, given what happened in Fev, Toronto and Salford ten years ago?
A: There is no need to panic. Martin, along with another person (sales and marketing director Ellie-Mae Lister), have recently been appointed to drive our team forward in terms of business operations and marketing, respectively.
With our return to the Super League it is clear that we have to strengthen our team off the pitch, as well as on the pitch.
The two options mentioned above are part of an ongoing recruitment process and Ellie-Mae’s role is more focused on the marketing side.
He has a rugby league background as a sports fan, but was chosen for his business background.
With Martin, he is not part of the club’s management or leadership teams.
He is part of our wider team, who has made a significant contribution to our team since his appointment.
The story of the weekend continues, a simple Bradford Bulls press release and I’m sure our loyal, intelligent fans understand that.
Our fans should continue to trust and support their club board, owners and leadership (which I am sure they will) based on the unparalleled success they have achieved, both on and off the pitch, during their tenure, compared to all other post-Super League years.
The board is determined to continue to improve, the club’s fans and return us to our official reputation.
Every meeting is for the benefit of our great team.
All our immediate attention and positive attitude is focused on our big game, this Good Friday against the Rhinos, at Bartercard Odsal Stadium, so I would like to ask all Bradford sports fans to get there and support us against our neighbors and rivals.
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