As most posters will recognise, I've been a staunch supporter of Matt & the assistant coach's/football manager/physio's etc etc over the last two seasons and won't ever deny it. I haven't backed them through blind faith, but because I know a couple of the guys in the group quite well, I know some of the crap they've had to put up with & see the success on the field as an absolute triumph against adversity this year. We won the title with bandages and sticky tape and desire towards the end of this season, but Hally & Holly returning gave the squad a tremendous boost as I see it.
Well doe Matt Calland for sticking with it, the detractors can say what they like, your'e a champion coach and taking the pay cut sends out a massive message, good on yer mate.
We won the title without the reinforcements of youth or reserves, that must be something of a first in this day & age and tosay our pack was being affectionately termed as dad's army.
I've loved every single minute of this last couple of seasons, better than Wembley '87 as I drunkenly tried to convince Bally & Hally in liquid after the GF, believe me guys, this was better than Wembley '87 in my opinion, we've so up against it.

There's nothing calland can do to win some people over. More fool them - you can lead your miserable, sceptical lives. This is another sign what the job, the team and people at the club mean to him. Anyone party to his reaction at winning the title, especially on Monday night, will see he really cares. If he said $*#% you to the fans, I wouldn't blame him. The people that matter, players, staff and me all have faith in him.

Thanks Matt, for giving me something I've not seen in 21 years a fax fan.

Hats off well done Matt.

I think the biggest factor which I have not considered until recently is how much the players have improved as individuals over the last few years due to Matt's Coaching.

Can anyone say that, when he was at Batley or Doncaster, they thought Shad would play Super League?
Same with Patterson, he came to us as a player Rochdale didn't put up a fight to keep and now he is one of the best outside backs in this league.
We saw Miles come on leaps and bounds before his injury.
Worrincy is now certain to play SL at some point.

Because it's confidential. Look the word up if you don't understand it.

That shows some serious commitment to the club.

Well done Matt...

Calland is from Widnes, its clear even though he's hooked himself in boring Yorkshire that his skills were donned in Widni


Never forget your roots Matt.

Up the Vikings!

if it means helping my club then yes,,

Well done Matt you have showed loyalty something that is very rare in sport these days it turns out that me been such a critic of him was a complete waste of time so glad he made me eat my words I believe next season we will build a team that will challenge for honours again. Thank you Matt and a big well done

As for you widnes fans your attitude shows exactly why the current system sucks next season the season is pointless to you and as such devalues our great competition. You didn't deserve a franchise last time so I don't know why you thought you was and you don't deserve 1 now. We are the champions you was crap

Well i suppose its the nearest Widnes got to winning a trophy Viking! Good old Matt.

MC is top man, a prized asset for FAX no doubt...

So why publicise the fact he has taken a paycut?

Would Haighy Ltd. tell all his competitors his prize employee has taken a pay cut?!

the cynic in me tells me there's more to this than good loyal Matt, truely hope not.

I really should stop reading & posting on this fans forum, it might be time for me to retire from here as a champion now. I might sit in smug corner with Tony Fax & the others who kept the faith.