VIKINGS FACE NERVOUS WAIT

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

THE COUNTDOWN is on with the biggest decision in Widnes Vikings’ recent history less than a week away.

Both chairman Steve O’Connor and head coach Steve McCormack are optimistic of a positive result.

The club is on tenterhooks with the Rugby Football League’s board of directors set to announce on Tuesday which teams will hold Super League licences for the next three years.

The Vikings have been on the wrong end of such verdicts before.

But O’Connor and McCormack hope that this time they will get the nod – for no other reason that they meet the criteria and will be a big asset to the competition.

O’Connor said: “The clock is ticking and the countdown is on as we are now just days away from knowing if we will be playing in Super League next season.

“Our next home game against Dewsbury Rams on Sunday, July 27 will either be a cause for major celebration or an occasion where we have to deal with the undoubted disappointment.

“Tuesday, July 22 is D-Day. Five applicants are going to be bitterly disappointed. I hope and pray that Widnes Vikings is not one of them.”

McCormack said: “A lot of hard work has been put into our application and we are optimistic. We have remained positive throughout the whole process.

“We have had a lot of pressure on us from the start with the nine-point deduction and the franchises, but that is what we expect.

“The pressure will be there next Tuesday and we would love to be in Super League for next season and beyond – it’s what we have all been working for.”

If the Vikings miss out again, there can be no appeal.

O’Connor added: “Should the result go against us, I want to assure our fans that we will not be giving up on our dream. Far from it.

“We will continue our efforts to prepare Vikings for Super League with a strong team capable of competing at the very highest level supported by a sound and financially viable business.

“Then, if circumstances change at any time over the next three years and a place becomes available, we will be ready, willing and able to fill that position.

“Hopefully, that won’t be necessary and we can make it to Super League this time around!

“Our fans – and all the thousands of people who have visited this club since the new regime took over in November last year – have been mightily impressed by the dramatic transformation that has taken place here.

“We have developed a powerful business with excellent facilities, a strong supporter base and a fantastic community and commercial operation with a growing number of sponsors. It’s an attractive package that would, in my opinion, be a massive asset to the Super League brand.”

On Sunday, the Vikings visit Halifax, who are undefeated at home.

It has to be Widnes – page 62.