Taken from Runcorn and Widnes Weekliy News ......

[sizeWidnes Vikings

Dec 10 2009 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES Vikings will definitely return to the top flight in 2012, according to chairman Steve O’Connor.

The Vikings chief is confident that, despite having held no recent talks with the RFL about the possibility of the club replacing any existing struggling clubs like Celtic Crusaders any time soon, the powers-that-be will find the 2009 Northern Rail Cup winners’ case for a Super League place undeniable next time round.

“I know we will be in Super League in 2012” said O’Connor.

“So Widnes fans have nothing to worry about.

“I wrote to the RFL on several occasions after our application was rejected and it’ll be no surprise to anyone that I did not get a definite answer.

“However they have made clear their minimum criteria for entry and I’m comfortable that we we’ve met that to date.

“We’re in a group of clubs that has aspirations for 2012 but there’s a feeling that there will be a positive announcement in Spring 2011.”

He added: “I have not had a dialogue with the RFL as regards us replacing any other team and its not our place to talk about where Celtic play their rugby.

“If other clubs are struggling then I have sympathy with them.

“We don’t take any pleasure in seeing other clubs struggle as we want to join a vibrant league.

“But lets create a winning culture and hope that we are better equipped when we do go up.”

Although stating publicly that he has enjoyed the challenges provided by his first two seasons at the Championship club, the chairman believes that Widnes will need to drum up far greater support than at present if they are to survive in the big league.

“We have to be prepared to regularly get seven or eight thousand people at Widnes.”

Vikings CEO Alex Bonney is therefore encouraging all Vikings fans to “bring a mate” to games next season in an attempt to boost flagging season ticket sales.

Bonney said: “It would make a fabulous difference.

“So far we have sold roughly 1,750 season tickets which is around 250 less than this time last year.

“The Super League application decision will be based on what we do in years one and two and so we need everyone support this year.”

www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.c ... -25355203/

Taken from Runcorn and Widnes Weekliy News ......

[sizeWidnes Vikings

Dec 10 2009 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES Vikings will definitely return to the top flight in 2012, according to chairman Steve O’Connor.

The Vikings chief is confident that, despite having held no recent talks with the RFL about the possibility of the club replacing any existing struggling clubs like Celtic Crusaders any time soon, the powers-that-be will find the 2009 Northern Rail Cup winners’ case for a Super League place undeniable next time round.

“I know we will be in Super League in 2012” said O’Connor.

“So Widnes fans have nothing to worry about.

“I wrote to the RFL on several occasions after our application was rejected and it’ll be no surprise to anyone that I did not get a definite answer.

“However they have made clear their minimum criteria for entry and I’m comfortable that we we’ve met that to date.

“We’re in a group of clubs that has aspirations for 2012 but there’s a feeling that there will be a positive announcement in Spring 2011.”

He added: “I have not had a dialogue with the RFL as regards us replacing any other team and its not our place to talk about where Celtic play their rugby.

“If other clubs are struggling then I have sympathy with them.

“We don’t take any pleasure in seeing other clubs struggle as we want to join a vibrant league.

“But lets create a winning culture and hope that we are better equipped when we do go up.”

Although stating publicly that he has enjoyed the challenges provided by his first two seasons at the Championship club, the chairman believes that Widnes will need to drum up far greater support than at present if they are to survive in the big league.

“We have to be prepared to regularly get seven or eight thousand people at Widnes.”

Vikings CEO Alex Bonney is therefore encouraging all Vikings fans to “bring a mate” to games next season in an attempt to boost flagging season ticket sales.

Bonney said: “It would make a fabulous difference.

“So far we have sold roughly 1,750 season tickets which is around 250 less than this time last year.

“The Super League application decision will be based on what we do in years one and two and so we need everyone support this year.”

www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.c ... -25355203/