Widnes back in the top flight

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WidnesVikings will start the 2002 season in Super League after their application for promotion was ratified by the Independant Franchise Panel. It will be the first time Widnes have been in League's top flight since the 1994-95 season.
The decision was recommended following a meeting of the Independent Franchise Panel at Red Hall, Leeds yesterday morning and then confirmed by the Rugby Football League's Board of Directors hours later.
Now the Vikings become the first side to go up from the Premiership since Wakefield Trinity Wildcats were promoted in 1998.
They recently earned the right to apply after winning the NFP Grand Final, beating Oldham 24-14.
Tony Chambers, chairman of the Widnes Vikings, said: "We're delighted to be heading back into the sport's elite. Six years away from that level of the sport has been a long time for a club with our traditions.
"I'm delighted for the fans, the club, the town and Halton Borough
Council who have been our partners in guiding the club through the financial crisis and rebuilding completely during the last six years."
Chris Caisley, the RFL Vice Chairman and Chairman of Super League Europe Limited, said: "It's great to have Widnes back in the top flight and I'm sure that they will kick on to further success from here.
"They are an enterprising club who should prove inspiration to clubs with Super League ambitions and a new face that will keep the Tetley's Super League competition fresh and vibrant".
Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of the Rugby Football League, added: "There has been a clear indication that the sport and the fans alike felt promotion to Super League was a vital ingredient and Widnes Vikings proved to the Panel's satisfaction they have all the right qualifications to earn that opportunity."

 

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About ten or elevend years ago, Widnes were a powerhouse in England. With their entry into the ESL, will any side be relegated to make way for Widnes and what is their financial state and crowds like? Are they healthy? I would assume you would have to meet certain criteria reagrding viability and infrastructure. Lastly, are they likely to be competetive?

 

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The bottom side in SL this year will be relegated to make way for the Vikings. The contenders for the drop are Wakefield and Huddersfield. I hope it's Huddersfield! Wakefield have been deducted 4 points for breaching the salary cap, very unfair considering what SL are allowing Wigan to get away with next season.

Widnes will be an improvement on either of SL's bottom two if they can manage to do the business on the paddock. They have a new stadium, I think they are in better financial health than they have been for years, and I'm sure they'll attract fairly good crowds, especially with big derby games against Warrington, Saints, and Wigan.