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Widnes Vikings

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"The Chemics" redirects here. For other uses, see Chemic (disambiguation).

Widnes Vikings
Club information
Full nameWidnes Vikings Rugby League Football Club
Nickname(s)The Chemics
The Vikings
Short nameWidnes Vikings
Colours White and Black
Founded1875; 149 years ago (1875)
Websitewidnesvikings.co.uk
Current details
Ground(s)
CoachAllan Coleman
CaptainJack Owens
CompetitionBetfred Championship
2023 season8th
Current season
Uniforms
Home colours
Away colours
Records
Championships3 (1978, 1988, 1989)
Challenge Cups7 (1930, 1937, 1964, 1975, 1979, 1981, 1984)
Other top-tier honours[1]20
Most capped591 – Keith Elwell
Highest points scorer2,195 – Ray Dutton

The Widnes Vikings are an English rugby league club in Widnes, Cheshire, which competes in the Betfred Championship. The club plays home matches at DCBL Stadium. Founded as Widnes Football Club, they are one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895. Their historic nickname is "The Chemics" after the main industry in Widnes, but now they use their modern nickname, "The Vikings".

The club enjoyed a period of success in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, and were frequently described as "Cup Kings" reaching the Challenge Cup Final 7 times in 10 years between 1975 and 1984. In 1989, after winning their third Rugby League Premiership, Widnes became the first official World Club Champions by beating the Australian champions Canberra Raiders 30–18 at Old Trafford. They have a strong local rivalry with Warrington Wolves.

History

[edit]

Early years

[edit]
A newspaper extract from the Farnworth & Appleton Guardian in 1875 announcing the formation of Farnworth & Appleton Football Club.
A newspaper extract from the Widnes Guardian in 1875 announcing the formation of Farnworth & Appleton Football Club.

The Farnworth & Appleton Cricket Club was formed in 1871 and four years later the members decided to embrace the burgeoning football code. At their fourth annual evening party in the Drill Hall, Widnes, in November 1875, club Chairman Henry Lea "gave a short account of the club since it commenced about four years ago, and indicated that they had now started a football club in connexion (sic) with it, and hoped all would join". The first known game for the new Farnworth and Appleton FC was in Widnes in January 1876 played under rugby rules against Northwich Victoria. A few weeks later a return match was played at Drill Field, Northwich under soccer rules. Vics won both games. These are the only two known fixtures in that truncated first season.

By May 1876 the club had changed its name to Widnes FC and the cricket side of the organisation had disbanded, presumably to concentrate on football activities. By the late 1870s the club was being referred to as "The Chemicals"—subsequently shortened to 'The Chemics'.

The first ground was on Albert Road behind what is now the Premier Wetherspoon's pub and a short spell followed in the Simms Cross area. From around 1878–84 the club were based at the junction of Millfield/Peelhouse Lane, apart from season 1880–81 when they played on the Widnes Cricket Club ground at Lowerhouse Lane. From 1884–95 they rented a field at Lowerhouse Lane before moving to their third separate site on that road in October 1895. The first ever game at what later became Naughton Park was against Liversedge on Saturday 12 October 1895.

In 1895, Widnes were founder members of the Northern Union which broke away from the Rugby Football Union. Their first game was an away fixture against Runcorn which they lost 15–4. During the early years, the club often had to sell players to balance the books. The strength of junior rugby league in the area meant the club had a steady stream of new players to offset any losses.

In 1902, the Lancashire and Yorkshire leagues were combined to form a second division, Widnes was added to the first division.

In 1914, Arthur 'Chick' Johnson was capped for the Lions (captained by Harold Wagstaff) in the famous Rorke's Drift test, a match in which they overcame all the odds, and injuries to beat Australia with a depleted side of 10 against 13. He scored an extraordinary try to win the game, dribbling the ball from inside his own half. Widnes closed for the 1915–16 season but recommenced playing in 1916 following the introduction of conscription which meant that would not be accused of keeping men from volunteering for the First World War. Thirteen Widnes players were killed during the conflict.

The club's first ever success came when they won the Lancashire League trophy in the 1919–20 season. However, the 1920s saw the club almost go to the wall. Local rivals Warrington donated their share of the traditional Easter and Christmas derby matches to keep Widnes afloat in 1927–28.

In 1930, Widnes with 12 local-born players defied the odds to beat St. Helens 10–3 to bring home the Challenge Cup.[2]

The Kingsway housing scheme threatened the loss of Widnes' ground. After several years of fundraising during the Great Depression of the 1930s, £3,250 was raised to save the ground. This came with a stipulation that the ground could be sold only to the local council at the original price. The newly named Naughton Park was opened in 1932.

A major boost for the club was Widnes' first ever trip to the Challenge Cup final, staged at Wembley. Their opponents were St. Helens, Saints scored after six minutes to take a 3–0 lead, but Widnes hit back with a penalty try, a further try and a penalty to take a 10–3 half-time lead. A scoreless second half meant Widnes had won the cup.

Widnes became the first club to make two trips to Wembley, with a loss to Hunslet in the 1934 cup final.

In 1935–36, the team came close to being rugby league champions. Having finished third in the table, Widnes beat Liverpool 10–9 but lost to Hull FC, in the championship final. A third trip to Wembley came in 1937, with an 18–5 win over Keighley. The final was dubbed "McCue's Match" as the halfback played an important part in the win.

Widnes dropped out of the wartime Lancashire league in 1940–41 and did not return to league competition until 1945–46.

Post war

[edit]

Tommy McCue led the club to its first ever Lancashire County Cup win, with a 7–3 victory against Wigan in 1945.

Back at Wembley in 1950, the team was beaten 19–0 by Warrington. During this period, the club reverted to selling its players to richer teams.

Local man Vince Karalius joined Widnes from St. Helens in 1962 and was appointed club captain. In his first season, Widnes finished third in the Championship, which equalled the club's best league placing. In 1962, the league was split into East and West of the Pennines; Widnes and Workington Town met at Central Park, Wigan, in the first final of the Western Division Championship on Saturday 10 November 1962. With two minutes remaining, Lowdon dropped a goal to earn Workington a 9–9 draw. Later in the month Workington Town won the replay 10–0.

The following season saw him lead his team to Wembley, where Widnes were Rugby League Challenge Cup winners after they defeated Hull Kingston Rovers 13–5. No team had ever played more games in reaching Wembley than Widnes in 1964. In the first round, two replays were necessary before beating Leigh. Liverpool City were beaten in the second round, then Widnes played Swinton in front of 19,000 at Naughton Park. A 5–5 draw meant another replay, which was a scoreless draw at Station Road. A second replay at Wigan was watched by 21,369 with Widnes winning 15–3. The semi-final against Castleford was drawn 7–7. A crowd of 28,732 spectators watched the replay, which Widnes won. A Wembley crowd of 84,488 saw Widnes win the Challenge Cup for the third time with a 13–5 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers. This was the Chemics first trophy success in eighteen years.

The "Cup Kings"

[edit]

The 1970s saw the first really outstanding Widnes team. A host of young local players developed into the "Cup Kings", a golden age for the club. The first cup-final was a loss in the 1971–72 Lancashire County Cup.

Six years after he retired from playing Vince Karalius returned to Widnes as coach; appointed in January 1972. The following two seasons, Widnes reached the finals of the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy. The first success came in the 1975 Lancashire Cup which Widnes won by beating Salford that season. They also won the 1975 Challenge Cup final 14–7 versus Warrington at Wembley. This was the first time in their history that Widnes had won two trophies in the same season. At his zenith, Karalius, stepped down once from his role as coach. He was replaced in May 1975 by Frank Myler.

Widnes visited Wembley in the following two seasons, losing to St. Helens and then Leeds. However, this was made up for by victories in the Lancashire County Cup and John Player Trophy. The season after this (1977–78) saw their first league championship. The team went through the season unbeaten at home in the league. There were also trips to the John Player and Premiership finals.

Keith Elwell began his run of 242 consecutive appearances at Wembley in the 1976–77 Challenge Cup Final, including two as a substitute. He finished his run at Hull F.C. on 26 September 1982. This record for consecutive appearances for one club stands to this day.

Doug Laughton took over the job of team coach when Frank Myler retired from the position in 1978. The 1978–79 season saw no less than four cups come to Widnes—the BBC2 floodlit trophy, Lancashire Cup, Premiership and a win at Wembley over Wakefield Trinity in front of a crowd of 93,218. Widnes also defeated the Ashes-winning 1978 Kangaroo tourists.

The 1979–80 season saw Widnes beat Bradford Northern in the Premiership final, but come second to them in the league and John Player Trophy. The Lancashire Cup was won for the fifth time in the 1970s.

The 1980s started with a Wembley win over Hull Kingston Rovers in 1980–81. The season after this, Widnes again returned to Wembley, to face Hull F.C. Widnes led 14–6 with less than 20 minutes to go, but the game finished 14–14 and Hull won the replay 18–9 at Elland Road, Leeds. Widnes kept their record of winning a cup every season by defeating Hull 23–8 in the Premiership final. The next season saw Hull again beaten by Widnes in the Premiership final.

Vince Karalius returned to the club in March 1983 as co-coach with Harry Dawson. Dawson quit as coach in March 1984 with Karalius continuing as team manager. Karalius led a strong Widnes side to the finals of the Lancashire Cup and John Player Trophy and another Wembley victory appearance 19–6 against Wigan.

The "Greatest Team"

[edit]

Doug Laughton returned to the club in January 1986 and began a series of signings of players from other league clubs and from rugby union. One such player was Martin Offiah, who in 1987–88 scored a club record 42 tries. The team went on to win the championship that season, clinching it with a 50-point win away over Hunslet. Widnes then beat St. Helens 38–14 in the Premiership Final at Old Trafford, Manchester a game in which Alan Tait made his début.

The 1988–89 season saw the club sign rugby union star Jonathan Davies from Llanelli for £225,000. Widnes and Wigan battled each other for the silverware. Widnes beat Wigan in the Charity Shield but lost to them in the Regal Trophy Final. The Championship came down to the last game of the season, a capacity crowd (officially 16,000) at Naughton Park saw Widnes beat Wigan 32–18 to win the title for the second year running. The Premiership was won again, with over 40,000 at Old Trafford to see Widnes beat Hull 18–10. Martin Offiah scored another 58 tries for Widnes, bringing up 100 tries for Widnes in just 76 games.

The 1989–90 season saw Widnes play at Anfield, Liverpool beating Wigan 27–22. Widnes beat St Esteve 60-6 to become European Club Champions to set up the first official World Club Challenge match against Australia's Grand Final winners. Canberra took a 12–0 lead but were then swept aside as Widnes stormed home 30–18 to become the first official World Club Champions.

Widnes continued to be competitive winning the Lancashire Cup against Salford (1991) and the Regal Trophy against Leeds (1992). Widnes were also runners up in the League Championship and Premiership (1991) and the Challenge Cup (1993). After losing 3 Challenge Cup semifinals in 1987, 1989 and 1991, this belated trip to Wembley in 1993 came too late to avert financial problems. To balance the books, over 25 first team players were sold to other teams. This resulted in the club sinking to 12th in the division one table, avoiding relegation.

Tony Myler became coach of Widnes in May 1994. In August 1995 the club decided to bring back Doug Laughton for a third stint as team manager which resulted in Myler's sacking as coach.[3]

Summer era

[edit]

In 1996, the first tier of British rugby league clubs played the inaugural Super League season and changed from a winter to a summer season.[4] When the RFL announced that a new 12-team Super League was to be formed a chaotic period ensued in which the club was out, then in, then out, then in merged with local rivals Warrington and then finally out again as they finished below the cut-off point of 10th in the existing top flight.

The club adopted the name Widnes Vikings on 27 November 1996; the club had originally intended to adopt the moniker 'Warriors' but were asked to reconsider by the RFL, as Whitehaven were planning to adopt this name also. Further player and coaching departures ensued and the club struggled in the new first division, the club's first ever finish in the relegation zone followed.[5] They spent the next five years in the Northern Ford Premiership.

Graeme West took over as coach after Doug Laughton's third stint, his reign lasted from May 1997 until August 1998. During this time, the playing arena was rebuilt and the old stands, terraces and facilities were demolished to be replaced with a state-of-the-art all-seater stadium and was also renamed from Naughton Park to the Halton Community Stadium. West was later replaced as coach by Colin Whitfield.

In 1999 Widnes narrowly missed out on a place in the Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final. The 2000 season was one of transition with head coach Colin Whitfield being sacked and replaced by David Hulme. A record attendance for the newly rebuilt stadium was set at 6,644 for a Northern Ford Premiership game against Leigh on Boxing Day 2000. Widnes finished off a poor season in 8th place in the NFP.

Under new coach Neil Kelly, Widnes won promotion to Super League in 2001 after beating Oldham 24–12 in the Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final.[6]

Their début season in the Super League was in 2002, and the Vikings surprised everyone by narrowly missing out on a play-off place, and finishing seventh.

The following season saw them consolidate with a 9th place finish, and in 2004 they avoided relegation on the final day of the season, with Castleford's defeat by Wakefield Trinity saving Widnes' fate. Stuart Spruce was caretaker manager.

Frank Endacott arrived at Widnes as coach in 2005, but could not improve on the previous seasons. With two teams being relegated in 2005, due to the inclusion of Catalans Dragons in Superleague from 2006 onwards, Widnes were relegated back down to the second tier of the English game (LHF National League 1).

Widnes parted company with coach Frank Endacott, and new coach Steve McCormack rebuilt the squad, which notably included Australian full back David Peachey, who kept his word to join the club, despite its relegation.

Stephen Vaughan completed a take-over of Widnes in 2006[7] and the club made it to the LHF National League Grand Final, but were beaten 29–16 by Hull Kingston Rovers at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Stephen Vaughan quit as chairman of Widnes at the start of 2007 and stepped down from the club's board of directors,[8] placing the club's season into a 'boom or bust' scenario. Widnes won the 2007 Northern Rail Cup Final with a 54–6 victory over Whitehaven at Bloomfield Road stadium[9] and went on to reach the National League Grand Final at the end of the season. They were beaten 42–10 by Castleford at Headingley and in the days that followed, Widnes had no option but to place themselves into voluntary administration.[10]

New beginning

[edit]

On 2 November 2007, Widnes were purchased by Steve O'Connor,[11][12] a local business man who had just sold his haulage firm to the Stobart Group. Steve McCormack was re-appointed as Head Coach,[13] and the club were re-admitted into National League 1. A nine-point deduction for going into administration was successfully neutralised through winning their first three games, and Widnes qualified for the National League One Playoffs by finishing in sixth place. A 32–16 defeat by third-placed Halifax however brought the nostalgic 2008 campaign to an end.

Off the field, Widnes had applied for a Super League licence for the 2009 season along with 18 other clubs. However, the club was not granted a licence to play in the Super League, with the recent financial history of the club coming under close scrutiny.[14]

In 2009 Widnes parted company with Steve McCormack[15] and for a period John Stankevitch became caretaker manager. Paul Cullen was unveiled as McCormack's eventual successor[16] and managed the club to victory in the seasons Northern Rail Cup Final, beating a strong Barrow Raiders side 34–18.[17]

In the following season, Widnes again reached the Northern Rail Cup Final but were beaten 25–24 by Batley Bulldogs. The club also reached the 2010 Co-operative Championship playoffs but were knocked out in the opening round by Barrow Raiders.

Return to Super League

[edit]

In 2011 Widnes were granted a Super League licence for the 2012–14 seasons and Denis Betts was confirmed as the man who would coach the club. A flourish of new signings were announced and the pioneering 'Viking Stronghold' initiative moved from strength to strength. Widnes also installed a fourth generation artificial pitch (or ipitch as it became known) during the off season, making them the first team in modern day rugby league to not play on a traditional grass pitch. Widnes' tenancy in the Co-operative Championship culminated in September 2011 with a fifth place league finish, and a first round playoff defeat of 36–20 against Sheffield at Bramall Lane.

February 2012 saw Widnes' re-emergence into the top tier of rugby league, and they claimed their first two points against Wigan in a 37–36 win. The club managed to prove a number of critics wrong by gaining 12 points in total by the end of their first season back, but this was not enough to prevent the club from finishing at the bottom of the Super League table.

The 2013 season saw a marked improvement on the field by Widnes, with the team earning a total of 22 league points and finishing 10th in the Super League table.

The 2014 season proved to be the most successful season of the franchise period, with the club finishing eighth in the Super League table on 27 points and subsequently qualifying for the end of season play-offs for the first time in their history. A 22–19 away defeat by the Warrington Wolves brought the curtain down on a season that can only be seen as a success for the Vikings, with a Challenge Cup Semi-Final appearance against the Castleford being the key highlight. However, it was also during the 2014 season that the club received the news that "legendary supporter"[18] Pat Price had died and condolences for 'the first lady of Rugby League' were received from clubs and supporters throughout the sport.

The RFL overhauled Super League for the 2015 season, scrapping the Franchise System[19] and re-adopted promotion & relegation. Widnes finished in 9th position on 19 points, and then went on to consolidate their Super League status in the Middle 8's.[20]

The 2016 season saw the Vikings put together a number of early exciting performances, including defeating the previous season's champions Leeds 56–12. This placed Widnes top of the Super League table, heading into the Easter fixtures. Before the start of the 2017, Widnes sold their inspirational captain and best player to their bitter rivals Warrington. This move was completed whilst Brown was still in contract and despite warnings from fans, this proved the beginning of the end for Widnes as a potential mid table team.

In 2017, the team finished bottom but avoided relegation by beating the Catalans Dragons and the Million Pound Game. The lack of ambition of the club was now available for everybody to see with Chairman Steven O’Connor washing his hands of the club and moving to Australia in order to pursue further business projects. This was done without O’Connor fulfilling his promise to the club and town that the club would not be entering Super League to “Make up the numbers”. The current board headed by James Rule failed to heed the mistakes of the 2017 season and further recruitment to the squad was extremely poor. This lack of ambition and value for money resulted in fans walking away from the club in their droves.

Relegation and financial problems

[edit]

The 2018 season continued as the previous one with few quality signings and a team no longer good enough to compete in Super League. The club lost nineteen games in a row, which led to coach Denis Betts being dismissed with Francis Cummins taking interim charge; however, he could not prevent the club from falling into the Championship. On 1 February 2019, CEO James Rule resigned because the club faced significant financial challenges as a result of relegation. Speculation about the future of the club began to mount following a significant silence by the club's then chairman, Steve O’Connor.[21]

The club went into administration on 22 February 2019 after a take-over bid failed; as a result of this development the Rugby Football League imposed a 12-point penalty on the club and their upcoming game against Sheffield was postponed.[22] Following a fundraising campaign called "Vikings Quids In", supported by fans and other rugby league clubs, over £100,000 was raised. On 1 March 2019, the RFL accepted a takeover by a seven-strong consortium registered as Widnes Rugby League Club Limited, however the 12 point deduction remained in place leaving the club on minus 8 points. An investigation has begun to establish where large amounts of sponsorship and other funds have gone whilst the previous board were in charge. This may result in criminal proceedings against those responsible if any wrongdoing is discovered.[23]

Vikings Resurgence

[edit]

In March 2019, the club narrowly escaped liquidation, thanks in large part to crowdfunding pages setup by the remaining Widnes Vikings fans.[24] Newly appointed Head Coach Kieron Purtill began leading the club in a moderately successful streak of wins, culminating in reaching the finals of the 2019 RFL 1895 Cup against Sheffield Eagles. In the 2022 RFL Championship season, Widnes finished seventh on the table and missed the playoffs.[25]

Grounds

[edit]
Main article: Halton Stadium

The club's home ground is Halton Stadium. The club had a number of grounds before settling at Lowerhouse Lane in 1895. The death of the club's secretary, Tom Naughton in 1932, led to the ground on Lowerhouse Lane being renamed Naughton Park as a gesture of the team's appreciation. Naughton Park became one of the best known Rugby League grounds in the country due to the success of the 'Chemics' in the 1970s, and 1980s. In the 1990s Halton Council in partnership with the Widnes agreed to build a new stadium on the existing site, which would provide a multi-purpose complex including a social club, conference facilities, recreational facilities and catering/function facilities and would be the new home venue for Widnes RLFC. The new stadium was officially opened on 2 November 1997 following the completion of phase 1 of a multimillion-pound redevelopment and was renamed the Halton Community Stadium. On 29 January 1999 Halton Borough Council took over responsibility for the entire stadium, both financially and managerially. This was necessary as the joint venture companies arrangements were not performing as expected. The stadium reached completion with the opening of the East Stand in September 2005 and is an all-seater stadium which has a capacity of 13,500. It has also had the honour to have staged national finals and international fixtures. In August 2011, the stadium turf was removed and replaced with a third generation artificial pitch (or ipitch as it became known), in order to improve overall match performance and maximize the use of the club's facilities. The stadium's name has changed a number of times due to sponsorship purposes, with the latest name being the DCBL Stadium.

Club jerseys

[edit]
  • Since promotion to Super League in 2002
Year Home Design Away Design Kit Manufacturer Main Jersey Sponsor
2002 White with Black Trim Blue, White & Red Kooga Peel
2003 White with Black Trim Black with White Trim Finnforest
2004 White with Black sleeve & Red Trim Black with Purple Trim
2005 White with Black & Red Trim Grey
2006 White with Black Trim Black with White Trim Liverpool Capital of Culture 08
2007 White with Black Trim Red with Black Trim
2008 Black with White Trim White with Red Trim Nike Stobart
2009 White with Black Trim Fluorescent Yellow with Black Trim O'Neills
2010 White with Black Trim and Red Stripe Gold with Black Trim
2011 White Grey with Orange Trim
2012 White with Black V & Black Trim Red with White Trim
2013 Kit 1: White with Black V Kit 2: Black with White V Maltacourt Purple, Orange & Yellow
2014 Black and White Hoops Light Blue with Dark Blue sash Maltacourt
2015 White with thin, black & Green "V" Black with pink hoops The Parcel Centre (Home) / Electrod UK (Away)
2016 Black with Grey tribal designs White Select Security
2017 White with Black from the Chest to neck Green, Grey, Black, Red stripes PlayCasinoGames.Com
2018 Black shoulders fade into Black & White stripes Light Blue shoulders fade into White Beat the scrum
2019 All Black with White Collar Canberra Raiders Green XBlades
2020 Black and White Stripes Red Oxen Bristol Street Motors- Nissan Widnes
2021 Black and White Stripes Red Bristol Street Motors- Nissan Widnes
2022 Mainly black with white and grey flashes at bottom Turquoise Bristol Street Motors- Nissan Widnes
2023 Mainly white with thin red and black partial strips Black with multi-coloured sleeves Bristol Street Motors- Nissan Widnes
2024 TBC TBC Ellgren DCBL

Historic Jerseys

[edit]

Prior to the over-commercialization of the sport and the changing of kit design on a yearly basis, Widnes traditionally wore a black and white hooped jersey with white shorts. However, throughout their most dominant period of the 1970s, the club actually wore an all white jersey with 3/4 length sleeves and black shorts. It is quite common for fans to desire the club to return to one of these two jerseys. In addition, historically the club played in red when away from home.

2024 squad

[edit]
2024 Widnes Vikings Squad
First team squad Coaching staff

Head coach

  • Neil Belshaw

Assistant coach

Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)

Updated: 04 January 2024
Source(s): [1]


2023 transfers

[edit]

Gains

Player Club Contract Date
Jordan Johnstone Hull F.C. 2 Year September 2022[26]
Kieran Dixon Leigh Centurions 2 Year October 2022[27]
Anthony Walker Bradford Bulls 2 Year October 2022[28]
Tom Gilmore Batley Bulldogs 2 Year October 2022[29]
Will Evans Whitehaven R.L.F.C. 1 Year October 2022[30]
Max Roberts Swinton Lions 1 Year October 2022[31]
Lewis Hatton Swinton Lions 1 Year October 2022[32]
Callum Field Featherstone Rovers 2 Years October 2022[33]

Losses

Player Club Contract Date
Matty Smith Retirement - September 2022[34]
Steve Tyrer Retirement - September 2022[34]
Lloyd Roby Keighley Cougars - September 2022[34]
Kenny Baker Swinton Lions - September 2022[34]
Levy Nzoungou Retirement - September 2022[34]
Jake Spedding Swinton Lions - September 2022[34]
Lewis Hulme Halton Farnworth Hornets - September 2022[34]
Dec Gregory Oldham RLFC - September 2022[34]

Players

[edit]
Main article: List of Widnes Vikings players

Club captains

[edit]
Year Captain Vice Captain League
2005 England Terry O'Connor Australia Shane Millard Super League X
2006 England Mark Smith National League One
2007 England Mark Smith Ireland Bob Beswick National League One
2008 Co-operative Championship
2009 Australia Jim Gannon Co-operative Championship
2010 Ireland Dave Allen Co-operative Championship
2011 Ireland Simon Finnigan England Chaz I'Anson Co-operative Championship
2012 England Jon Clarke England Shaun Briscoe Super League XVII
2013 England Kevin Brown Super League XVIII
2014 Super League XIX
2015 England Kevin Brown England Joe Mellor Super League XX
2016 Super League XIX
2017 England Joe Mellor Australia Rhys Hanbury Super League XXII
2018 Super League XXIII
2019 New Zealand Hep Cahill New Zealand Anthony Gelling Betfred Championship
2020 England Jack Owens England Unknown Betfred Championship
2021 England Jack Owens England Unknown Betfred Championship
2022 England Jack Owens England Danny Craven Betfred Championship
2023 England Jack Owens England Danny Craven Betfred Championship
2024 England TBC England TBC Betfred Championship

Coaches

[edit]
Main article: List of Widnes Vikings coaches

Coaching register – since 1972

[edit]
  • England Vince Karalius (Jan 1972 – May 1975)
  • England Frank Myler (May 1975 – May 1978)
  • England Doug Laughton (May 1978 – Mar 1983)
  • England Harry Dawson & Colin Tyrer (Mar 1983 – May 1983)
  • England Vince Karalius & Harry Dawson(May 1983 – May 1984)
  • England Eric Hughes (Jun 1984 – Jan 1986)
  • England Doug Laughton (Jan 1986 – May 1991)
  • England Frank Myler (Jun 1991 – May 1992)
  • England Phil Larder (May 1992 – May 1994)
  • England Tony Myler (May 1994 – Aug 1995)
  • England Doug Laughton (Aug 1995 – Aug 1996)
  • England Bernard Long (Aug 1996 – May 1997)
  • New Zealand Graeme West (May 1997 – Aug 1998)
  • England Colin Whitfield (Aug 1998 – Mar 2000)
  • England David Hulme (Mar 2000 – Mar 2001)
  • England Neil Kelly (Mar 2001 – Jul 2004)
  • England Stuart Spruce (Jul 2004 – Oct 2004)
  • New Zealand Frank Endacott (Oct 2004 – Oct 2005)
  • Scotland Steve McCormack (Oct 2005 – Feb 2009)
  • England John Stankevitch (Feb 2009 – Mar 2009)
  • England Paul Cullen (Mar 2009 – Nov 2010)
  • England Denis Betts (Nov 2010 – May 2018)
  • England Francis Cummins (May 2018 – Oct 2018)
  • England Keiron Purtill (Nov 2018 – Oct 2019)
  • Australia Tim Sheens (Oct 2019 – Oct 2020)
  • Ireland Simon Finnigan (Nov 2020 – Apr 2022)
  • England Ryan O'Brien (interim) (Apr 2022 – Jun 2022)
  • England John Kear (Jul 2022 - June 2023)
  • England Neil Belshaw (interim) (June 2023 - Sep 2023)
  • England Allan Coleman (Oct 2023–Present)

Seasons

[edit]

Super League era

[edit]
Season League Play-offs Challenge Cup Other competitions Name Tries Name Points
Division P W D L F A PD Pts Pos Top try scorer Top point scorer
1996 Division One 20 9 1 10 413 447 -34 19 7th SF
1997 Division One 20 6 0 14 282 579 -297 12 10th R5
1998 Division One 30 9 1 20 601 862 -261 19 9th R4
1999 Northern Ford Premiership 28 21 0 7 792 415 +377 42 3rd Lost in Preliminary Final QF
2000 Northern Ford Premiership 28 17 0 11 698 483 +215 34 8th R4
2001 Northern Ford Premiership 28 21 1 6 961 377 +584 43 2nd Won in Final R4
2002 Super League 28 14 1 13 590 716 -126 29 7th R5
2003 Super League 28 12 1 15 640 727 -87 25 9th QF
2004 Super League 28 7 0 21 466 850 -384 14 11th R4
2005 Super League 28 6 1 21 598 1048 -450 13 11th QF
2006 National League One 18 14 0 4 729 449 +280 28 2nd Lost in Final R4
2007 National League One 18 16 0 2 740 220 +520 50 2nd Lost in Final R5 Championship Cup W
2008 National League One 18 10 2 6 453 410 +43 30 6th R5
2009 Championship 20 11 0 9 649 438 +211 39 4th Lost in Semi Final R4 Championship Cup W
2010 Championship 20 11 0 9 619 488 +131 38 5th Lost in Elimination Playoffs R5 Championship Cup RU
2011 Championship 20 11 1 8 555 532 +23 38 5th[a] Lost in Elimination Playoffs R5
2012 Super League 27 6 0 21 532 1082 -550 12 14th R4
2013 Super League 27 10 2 15 695 841 -146 22 10th QF
2014 Super League 27 13 1 13 611 725 -114 27 8th Lost in Elimination Playoffs SF
2015 Super League 23 9 1 13 518 565 -47 19 9th QF
The Qualifiers 7 5 0 2 232 70 +162 10 2nd
2016 Super League 30 12 0 18 603 643 -40 24 7th QF
2017 Super League 23 5 1 17 359 632 -273 11 12th R6
The Qualifiers 7 5 0 2 188 96 +92 10 2nd
2018 Super League 23 3 0 20 387 653 -266 6 12th R6
The Qualifiers 7 1 0 6 92 173 -81 2 7th
2019 Championship 27 14 0 13 646 586 +60 16 11th R6 1895 Cup RU
2020 Championship[b] 5 3 0 3 128 93 +35 6 5th R6
2021 Championship 21 9 1 11 494 534 -40 19 8th R6[c] 1895 Cup SF
2022 Championship 27 12 0 15 567 679 -112 24 8th R4
2023 Championship 27 13 0 14 619 654 -35 26 9th R4
2024 Championship 26 14 1 11 551 475 +76 29 5th Lost in Elimination play-off R5 1895 Cup GS

Honours

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League

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Winners (3): 1977–78, 1987–88, 1988–89
Premiership
Winners (6): 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90
Winners (1): 1919–20

Cups

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Winners (7): 1929–30, 1936–37, 1963–64, 1974–75, 1978–79, 1980–81, 1983–84
Winners (3): 1975–76, 1978–79, 1991–92
Winners (2): 2007, 2009
Winners (3): 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91
Winners (7): 1945–46, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1990–91
Winners (1): 1978–79

International

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Winners (1): 1989
Winners (1): 1989

Records

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Player records

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100+ tries

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150+ goals

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Team records

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Notes

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  1. ^ Promoted through licensing
  2. ^ The 2020 Championship was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Statistics shown are those at time of abandonment and are not official.
  3. ^ Officially round 3 due to the competitions temporary restructure in 2021.

References

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  1. ^ "About Us - Widnes Vikings".
  2. ^ "Widnes Field 12 Local Players – 1930 Challenge Cup Final". BBC. 24 April 2003. Retrieved 23 April 2003.
  3. ^ "Widnes sack coach Tony Myler". The Independent. 12 August 1995. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
  4. ^ Hadfield, Dave (20 December 1995). "Rugby's pounds 87m deal gives Murdoch transfer veto". London: Runcorn and Widnes World. Archived from the original on 1 November 2010. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  5. ^ Walker, Nick (8 September 1997). "Saints stars return". Liverpool Echo. p. 36  – via newspapers.com (subscription required) .
  6. ^ Crossley, Michael (28 July 2001). "Cantillon sees Widnes to brink of elite". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 13 November 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2001.
  7. ^ Vaughan in new pledge Chester Chronicle. 31–05–06. Retrieved 25–02–10
  8. ^ "Vaughan quits as Widnes chairman". BBC. 5 April 2007. Retrieved 5 April 2007.
  9. ^ "Widnes seal Northern Rail Cup win". BBC. 15 July 2007. Retrieved 15 July 2007.
  10. ^ "Vikings go into administration". Runcorn and Widnes World. 9 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2007.
  11. ^ "Fans key to success". Runcorn and Widnes World. 8 November 2007. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2007.
  12. ^ "New Widnes owner Steve O'Connor: I will bring back glory days". Liverpool Echo. 2 November 2007. Archived from the original on 15 October 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2007.
  13. ^ "Widnes Vikings owner Steve O'Connor: I had to rescue hometown club". Liverpool Echo. 16 November 2007. Archived from the original on 4 July 2007. Retrieved 16 November 2007.
  14. ^ "It was a difficult decision – RFL chief". BBC. 22 July 2008. Retrieved 22 July 2008.
  15. ^ "McCormack leaves Widnes Vikings". BBC. 16 February 2009. Retrieved 16 February 2009.
  16. ^ "Paul Cullen appointed head coach by Widnes Vikings". Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2009.
  17. ^ "Sport: Latest Football, Boxing, Rugby League and Cricket News – Liverpool Echo". Liverpooldailypost.co.uk. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
  18. ^ "Pat Price 1937–2014". Widnes Vikings. 12 July 2014. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  19. ^ "RFL confirms game's new structure". BBC Sport.
  20. ^ "Super 8s & play-off results". Archived from the original on 17 December 2015.
  21. ^ "James Rule gives an update as he steps down at Widnes Vikings". Runcorn and Widnes World. February 2019.
  22. ^ "Widnes Vikings go into administration and are deducted 12 points by RFL". BBC Sport. 22 February 2019. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  23. ^ "Widnes Vikings: RFL accepts new takeover deal but still imposes 12-point penalty". BBC Sport. 1 March 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  24. ^ "Widnes Vikings: Fundraising for Widnes Vikings approaches £50,000 in bid to stave off liquidation threat". Cheshire Live. 25 February 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  25. ^ "Widnes Vikings secure new deal for former St Helens, Sheffield Eagles and Batley Bulldogs hooker Matty Fozard". www.seriousaboutrl.com. 19 October 2022.
  26. ^ "Jordan Johnstone returns to the Vikings". Widnes Vikings. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  27. ^ "Kieran Dixon makes permanent switch to the Vikings". Widnes Vikings. 3 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  28. ^ "Prop Ant Walker joins Vikings ahead of the World Cup". Widnes Vikings. 5 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  29. ^ "Gilmore's Vikings return confirmed". Widnes Vikings. 10 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  30. ^ "Will Evans makes Vikings switch". Widnes Vikings. 12 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  31. ^ "Max Roberts becomes latest new recruit". Widnes Vikings. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  32. ^ "Lewis Hatton". Widnes Vikings. 21 October 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  33. ^ "Callum Field signs two-year deal". Widnes Vikings. 27 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  34. ^ a b c d e f g h "Players to depart at the end of 2022". Widnes Vikings. 12 September 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  35. ^ "Rugby League World Cup 2017 – RLWC.com | Facebook". Rugbyleague.org. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
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