Bradford Bulls' Odsal Stadium could be safeguarded after the city's council announced plans to help the club return for the 2003 Super League season.

The Bulls moved to Bradford City's Valley Parade stadium in November 2000, but plans to redevelop Odsal were hampered by red tape.

The latest scheme was delayed by government intervention to further examine the plans.

But now Bradford council hopes to press ahead with an agreement which will see civic chiefs helping with funding for the stadium until 2019.

The council will hope to rubber-stamp the agreement on 20 August after talks between the council's chief executive, Ian Stewart, and Bradford Bulls' chairman, Chris Caisley.

Caisley admitted the Bulls had been through traumatic times recently, but said he hoped an end was in sight to the problems.

"It has been a difficult time for the staff at the club and our supporters and I should like to thank them all for their patience," he said. "I hope that it will shortly be rewarded."