Bradford delighted as Khan and Sutcliffe save the club

The four-times Super League champions have been in administration since June 26 and have been threatened with liquidation numerous times during months of lingering uncertainty at Odsal.

But the West Yorkshire club’s future has at last been secured following a six-figure deal – thought to be worth around £150,000 – being thrashed out with administrator Brendan Guilfoyle.

It brings massive relief for all concerned at Bradford and also acts as a sizeable boost ahead of tonight’s crucial home game against Hull FC where a carnival atmosphere is duly expected at Odsal.

If Mick Potter’s eighth-placed side win, with just one further regular round then remaining, they will be favourites to clinch the final play-off berth and secure a place in the end-of-season jamboree for the first time in four years.

That is all the more remarkable given that, in July, they were docked six points for breaking insolvency rules.

Khan, who runs a chain of award-winning curry houses in the city, last night tweeted: “Omar Khan’s and Gerry Sutcliffe Save the Bradford Bulls and are the new owners of the club.”

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe is part of the consortium and he also took to the social networking site to say: “Thanks to all Bradford fans for your incredible patience and support. Hard work starts now. See you all (tonight).”

More details about the deal are expected to be released today – the Rugby Football League have yet to comment – but, speaking to the Yorkshire Post last night, Bulls’ acting-chairman Stephen Coulby said: “We’re all very pleased that this has now come to a conclusion after such protracted negotiations.

“Hopefully the consortium can take the Bulls forward and return us to the great days once more.”

Khan’s bid and an offer from Bradford Park Avenue football club emerged as the front-runners to take over the twice World Club Challenge champions last week after Bradford City pulled out of the running.

Super League (Europe) Ltd’s bid to buy the Bulls was also on the table but this was always seen as a last resort.

Guilfoyle said: “This is a great achievement for Bradford Bulls, the players, fans and the city of Bradford.

“My main duty as administrator is to get the best return for creditors – and this was the best deal on the table.

“Omar Khan has also passed the Rugby Football League’s test as being a ‘fit and proper person’ to run a rugby club as well as being a passionate fan of the Bulls.

“I am really pleased that we were able to retain the playing squad without selling off young stars – which in the end was a crucial decision to achieve the sale.

“There are many people to thank in making this deal possible, not least employees, coaches and the interim chief executive who have all been working without pay.

“But I’m sure they would join me in saying the fans’ support has been outstanding and they have played a major part in this rescue. And through all this the players have won an extraordinary string of matches.”

Potter urges Bulls to focus on play-off task: Page 7.