McCormack: There's no room for error

Aug 14 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES coach Steve McCormack hopes that victory in tonight’s televised Cooperative National League One clash with Sheffield Eagles will see his side place one foot firmly inside the playoffs.

Vikings, who have beaten Yorkshire opposition once already this week in Featherstone Rovers, travel to the Don Valley Stadium to face an Eagles side who lie just one point behind them in the table (kick-off 7.30pm).

Both sides will now have their sights set firmly on the sixth spot, which Widnes, with two games remaining currently occupy, in order to qualify for the knockouts.

McCormack said: “Sheffield are one of the bigger teams in this division and they’ll see us as a big scalp, so it's important that we play well.

“The game’s on Sky and with the play-offs in mind, there’s no margin for error.”

The Vikings supremo admitted to having felt a relieved man, having gained maximum points from Sunday’s hard-fought clash with Featherstone, which at times Widnes made more difficult for themselves.

McCormack is now looking for his side to put on a similarly gutsy performance tonight.

“Featherstone was a frustrating game but an important one to win,” he said.

“First half was particularly frustrating and I thought we were much better in the second. But this part of the season is all about winning.

“We are all very close to each other in the table and so winning these games shows character.”

McCormack saved special praise for the club’s supporters, after him and his side received a standing ovation at full time after Sunday’s final home league game of the season.

McCormack added: “After everything that’s happened, some of these fans could have found something else to do with their Sundays – but they were here again.

“So it was nice to reward them with something from our final home game.”

VIKINGS head coach Steve McCormack has put pen to paper on a new contract that will see him remain at the club next season.

McCormack said: “I’m delighted to be staying at Widnes.

“Of course missing out on Super League has been a massive disappointment for everyone concerned at Vikings but exciting things are happening here and I want to be a part of it.

“Steve O’Connor’s drive and commitment is there for all to see and he’s as keen as anyone to see WIdnes Vikings win trophies and eventually compete in Super League.

“I’m confident that I can continue to build a successful team and make those dreams come true.”

He added: “Our youth policy will be central to our development in the future but we are also keen to secure experienced players that our youngsters can learn from.

“We’ve probably used more young players under the age of 21 in the first team than any other club and those players have benefited enormously from that experience and will be even better players next season.

“However, at the moment we are still on course to secure a top-six finish this season to reach the National League play-offs and that remains our priority.”

For chairman O'Connor's reaction to McCormack's contract extension, see page 70.