Widnes Vikings have re-signed back row forward David Allen on a two year contract.
The 24 year old Irish international returns to the Stobart Stadium Halton, following spells at Oldham and Barrow where he won a Co-operative Championship Grand Final winners' medal in 2009.

Sporting Director Terry O'Connor is delighted with the latest acquisition to the Vikings' squad. "From an early age Dave has been regarded as one of the most talented forwards of his age and I'm sure that under the guidance of Paul Cullen he will realise his potential over the next two seasons.

Cullen added, "David is a rare commodity in today's game, an eighty minute footballer who has played at the top level domestically, has international experience and has the desire to return to Super League with his hometown Club."

Speaking from the Irish training camp, prior to Sunday's clash with Lebanon, Allen was excited about the prospect of running out in a black and white shirt again. "To play for your hometown Club is a big thing and with the changes taking place at Widnes it's certainly the place to be.

"I have ambitions of returning to Super League and I think that by rejoining the Vikings I have a great chance of fulfilling them in 2012

he's a bit old now but he still makes me laugh

Wow.. it just goes to show you can't burn your bridges!!!!

In terms of talent he is excellent and I'm delighted to have him back.

I hope his attitude has improved a little. Welcome back though Dave.

Great signing.

Not a bad signing, when we signed him from the pie's, he came with Beswick, I thought he was better then him.

Look's a good pack next year

Lets hope he keeps his nose clean this time...

Our pack is looking excellent for next season. I'm sure the dual contracts will be backs. Add Penny, Dean and 2 more dual players and the squad is looking good.

Good signing, welcome back Dave

His rugby attitude had always seemed to be spot on as far as I can recall.

I always thought his problems stemmed from the fact that he seemed to knock around in undesirable groups which led to his previous misdeamenour.

If his head is straight (and from looking at his return to rugby league with Oldham and Barrow then it will) then he'll be an excellent acquisition and another Widnes lad to boot.


I guess he is the 'ball playing' loose that Cullen had been speaking about.

Thought gerrard be the ball playing loose forward?Allen has good hands,offload,tackles well and backs up.Doran,gerrard or allen can play loose.Allen and doran secondrow for me.Team looking good and we have some good props.Now a couple of dual signings in the backs.Our team is better than last year already.

I was referring to his off the field attitude and the supposed incident at Spoons.. I'm sure he will give it his all and we have an excellent addition to the squad.

There are probably a fair few incidents people could recall about him.

It does look an excellent signing though I agree and to take him off one of our rivals is an added bonus too.

And to think.. we were worried?

Very good signing, i have been impressed with Dave since his return, always had bags of talent but had a few problems in his life. A good second rower and someone we needed.

Brilliant news welcome back to widnes david.