It has to be Widnes...

Jul 17 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

Super League licence holders for the next three years will be announced on Tuesday. DAVE BETTLEY looks at why Vikings and their fans believe Widnes’ case for membership is too good to turn down.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

The club, whose origins date back to 1873, has been on its present site since 1895.

It was a founder member of the Northern Union – forerunner to the RFL.

Widnes enjoyed Wembley visits in the 1930s, 1950s, 1960s and 1990s while seven twin-tower final appearances from 1974-1984 earned them the tag of ‘Cup Kings’.

The club has had a global impact in rugby league through the signing of Jonathan Davies, the unearthing of Martin Offiah and the 1989 World Club Challenge defeat of Canberra Raiders.

INVESTMENT & PROFESSIONALISM

Owner Steve O’Connor rescued the club from administration in November and invested more than £1million in its rejuvenation.

With failure not an option, a complete rebrand was carried out.

This has seen key behind-the-scenes appointments, stadium refurbishment, new fundraising ventures, sponsorship and marketing.

LOCATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

The club is in rugby league’s heartland with an established, strong and committed supporter base which generated a National League record crowd of 8,000-plus earlier this season.

Vikings believe they can regularly match this attendance figure in Super League next year while their healthy travelling support will bring host clubs significant financial benefit on matchdays.

The club has a reputation for producing homegrown talent through its Academy system.

Vikings are already full-time on and off the field and geared for a return to Super League.

SPONSORSHIP & SUPPORT

Stobart Group, owner/operator of UK’s most famous logistics company with a £170m turnover and 2,000 workforce, are chief sponsor.

Regional, national and international brands including Nike, Domino’s Pizza and Tetley’s are also backing the club’s licence bid.

Halton Borough Council is committed to the club and not only owns the stadium but has a shareholding in the Vikings and seat on its board.

STADIUM & FACILITIES

Halton Borough Council’s flagship leisure, conference and sports facility has been described by one leading RL writer and broadcaster as ‘five star and probably the best stadium in rugby league’.

High-quality all-seater accommodation to all four sides of the pitch, giving a capacity of 13,393, is complimented by social, hi-tech business and banqueting facilities along with a fitness centre and sports injuries clinic. The club’s vision has been reflected in a complete refurbishment of the Vikings’ behind-the-scenes facilities.

COMMUNITY & GROWTH

Vikings introduced their community programme in 2002 helped by funding from the European Union, the Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and other parties.

The club is involved with sporting and educational projects in schools, including an anti-bullying scheme.

Its rebranding of Vikings in the Community as the Valhalla Foundation will open up new funding opportunities as a not-for-profit trust and further improve the club’s community links.

SQUAD & RECRUITMENT

The club has identified leading international and first-grade players as potential Super League recruits in 2009.

The present first-team squad has been almost completely rebuilt with the rebirth of the club with few survivors from the side which reached two successive NL1 Grand Finals.

Inconsistency from a squad with an average age of just 23 has been a concern for coach Steve McCormack.

But the season has seen the emergence of promising young players who can only have gained from the senior experience.