History of the Club

The Kicks Leisure Era

This history is based on a piece written by local journalist Jeff Bowron, with alterations.

After the departure of the Yorkshire players, Chairmen Steve Worsnop resigned, and club sponsor Mike Jeffels took over the club through his Kicks Leisure organisation. Former Bramley coach Paul Fletcher was brought in, taking over a young, inexperienced and predominantly locally produced side.

Although they came close to victory against Keighley Cougars and Swinton Lions, Thunder Mark III lost every game to finish marooned at the bottom of the table.

2003 started with renewed optimism for the Thunder faithful. A bid to re-kindle the successes of Super League saw eight promising Australian added to the squad, along with experienced Queenslander Bill Ryan as a coaching adviser. Unfortunately personal difficulties saw the arrangements fall apart. Mike Jeffles withdrew his funding, and the club were once more facing annihilation.

A panel of supporters, including committee members of Thunder Storm such as Neil Hutchinson and Mark Wightman, long-time supporter Derek Marshall, and Phyllis Thorman - mother of half back pairing Neil and Chris - took over the running of the club in the interim period. A Members Club and Lottery were launched to provide funds, and the committee became increasingly confident that a stable future could be assured for the club.

• Part five: Fans to the Rescue