Widnes down

[Pommy]

Today’s confirmation that Widnes Vikings have been relegated to the Betfred Championship is a devastating moment for everyone associated with the club.

Further statements will be issued soon, however at this stage we simply wish to apologise for the experiences of the past two seasons, where results have fallen far below our expectations and provide assurances on the future ambitions for Widnes Vikings.

The Vikings intend to remain a professional, full-time organisation. We are determined to make every effort to retain the best of our talent, and to also effectively rebuild this squad, with the intention of making an immediate return to the Super League. This is a great club that has made real progress since it’s return to the top flight, and we must ensure that we rebound from this moment to get our club back on track.

Above all, we would like to thank the Members, supporters and partners who have resolutely backed the club throughout this difficult period - your dedication is genuinely appreciated by us all. Your ongoing commitment, and the support of our wider local community, will be vital to this club making a return to Super League, and has never been more needed.

James Rule, Chief Executive

http://widnesvikings.co.uk/article/55027/widnes-vikings-statement

 

[Leigh Howlett]

Thirty years ago the Chemics were World Club Champions with Jonathon Davies and Martin Offiah among their ranks, the last 10 years have been a struggle for them, interesting times for them.

 

[RL The greatest game]

Thirty years ago the Chemics were World Club Champions with Jonathon Davies and Martin Offiah among their ranks, the last 10 years have been a struggle for them, interesting times for them.

They will probably lose their better young players to Super League clubs to add insult to injury

 

[deluded pom?]

Thirty years ago the Chemics were World Club Champions with Jonathon Davies and Martin Offiah among their ranks, the last 10 years have been a struggle for them, interesting times for them.

I remember Laurie Daley taking JD’s head off like it was yesterday.

 

[Walter sobchak]

Widnes need to start again from scratch and have a wholesale clearout of all the deadwood. They need a 3-5 year plan of building a team around young local/ish produced academy players sprinkled with experienced overseas players and players from the lower leagues.

 

[Teddyboy]

Used to get big crowds 30 years or so ago but crowds have been poor past 10 years and building a nice new stadium does not guarantee people will flock in there droves.

 

[Walter sobchak]

Used to get big crowds 30 years or so ago but crowds have been poor past 10 years and building a nice new stadium does not guarantee people will flock in there droves.

30 years ago Widnes were the topdogs in England winning the league and cups. They also had some of the biggest names in the game playing for them like offiah, Davies and Sorensen etc. Success equals big crowds but even then the crowds didn’t match what wigan got during their domination during early to mid 90’s and Bradford’s success during the birth of super league and Leeds in their spells of domination over the 10-15+ years.

 

[Teddyboy]

30 years ago Widnes were the topdogs in England winning the league and cups. They also had some of the biggest names in the game playing for them like offiah, Davies and Sorensen etc. Success equals big crowds but even then the crowds didn’t match what wigan got during their domination during early to mid 90’s and Bradford’s success during the birth of super league and Leeds in their spells of domination over the 10-15+ years.

Yes the late 80's to mid 90's Wigans crowds were something else but Widnes, St Helens, Warrington, Bradford, Leeds, Castleford, both Hull teams, Featherstone, Wakefield, Halifax and lower teams like Keighley, Workington and Whitehaven pull decent crowds but I agree nothing like Wigan at Central Park.

 

[Haffa]

For the sake of the sport of Rugby League they have a must win game this weekend.

 

[Perth Red]

Thirty years ago the Chemics were World Club Champions with Jonathon Davies and Martin Offiah among their ranks, the last 10 years have been a struggle for them, interesting times for them.

Most teams have glory days and hard times, that the nature of P&R! Could be worse, you could be a Bulls fan!

 

[Walter sobchak]

Most teams have glory days and hard times, that the nature of P&R! Could be worse, you could be a Bulls fan!

Can’t see either Toronto or Toulouse winning away and KR losing to Widnes at home.

 

[Perth Red]

Can’t see either Toronto or Toulouse winning away and KR losing to Widnes at home.

Were busted, Sheens will do well to put 17 players out but at home against Widnes, we SHOULD win,but this is Rovers and if we do anything well it is make things hard for ourselves!

I can see Leeds slacking off and Toronto taking advantage if Leeds aren't on (and we need Heatherington hates Hudgell so Im sure he would like nothing more!). We tore them apart when they were having an off day and Toronto could push them close if they are already thinking about next weeks holidays.

Its all very tight. Hate to be in it but geez the qualifying 8's have been close and exciting this year!

 

[Storm13]

Widnes will throw the game so they don't have to split the parachute payment in case KR go down also.

 

[Walter sobchak]

Widnes will throw the game so they don't have to split the parachute payment in case KR go down also.

They wouldn’t need to throw it if they picked a team full of kids.