League chairman ‘impressed by professionalism’

Jul 28 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE RUGBY football League has offered reassurance to Widnes Vikings fans following a constructive two-and-a-half hour meeting with the club’s officials.

The Widnes chairman and senior club executives held talks with the RFL, at its Leeds HQ following the decision not to award Vikings a Super League licence.

Richard Lewis, RFL executive chairman confirmed his belief that under the current management set-up, Vikings will be in a far stronger position to obtain a licence in two years time.

Mr Lewis said: “Our meeting with Steve O’Connor and the management team of Widnes Vikings was extremely productive with both parties keen to exchange information.

“I now believe Widnes have a greater understanding of the technical detail of the RFL’s decision having talked through areas of uncertainty.Š

“I remain extremely impressed with the professionalism and approach of management team currently in place in Widnes.”

He added: “Under the stewardship of Steve O’Connor they are clearly a club heading in the right direction.Š

“For the supporters it is understandably disappointing for them that the club is still paying the price of its previous owners.”

Chairman Steve O’Connor said: “It was essential to get around the table with the RFL as quickly as possible to discover the reasoning behind our failure to secure a Super League licence this time around.

“Richard Lewis made it quite clear that the previous owners of Widnes Vikings taking the club into administration was a very significant factor in us not being awarded a licence.

“The RFL has recognised that in the period since my management team and I took over the operation, our organisational performance rates amongst the best in the league.”

He added: “Unfortunately, our impressive track record is only eight months old and we are still suffering from the points-penalty of the former organisation going into administration.

“It would appear the Super League licence process came just too early for our new set-up and there was not an appropriate length of time in the RFL’s opinion to be satisfied of our long-term stability.

“This was despite the financial guarantees I gave to the RFL personally to underwrite our bid, ensuring the solvency of our business over the three-year period of a Super League licence.”