Elliott close to securing Bulls deal

Bradford Bulls coach Matthew Elliott

Bradford coach Matthew Elliott is close to completing a deal which will keep him with the Yorkshire club.

The Australian had been linked with a return to his native country, with Newcastle Knights one of the clubs rumoured to be interested in acquiring his services.

"I have to stress that negotiations are not complete yet but Chris Caisley and I basically agree and it's just a matter of dotting the 'Is' and crossing the 'Ts,' Elliott told the Bulls website.

"To be honest, it has never been a distraction for me because I'm so committed to the club and the players I have here.

"I really love being coach at Bradford and that has been a massive factor in my decision.

Progressing swiftly

I really love being coach at Bradford and that has been a massive factor in my decision.

Matthew Elliott

"But I'm a professional sports person and you have to consider what your options are - the options in Australia weren't the ones I wanted to pursue."

Bulls' chairman Caisley confirmed that negotiations had been progressing swiftly.

"There haven't been any stumbling blocks at all. We just chatted things through, it has not taken a great deal of time at all.

"We should be clarifying the position over how long his contract will be in the next week, but clearly we expect him to be head coach next season."