Statement at 8

just an assessment of things that we already know really, and where we want to be going sort of thing

Quote: "Dear Members,

The 2011 season has been full of highs and lows, although on the whole I am satisfied that Widnes Vikings has made some real progress. This year really started on 31 March when the RFL confirmed that our licence application for Super League was successful. The club and its supporters and partners were elated and felt it now had a future to build towards. Naively, perhaps, we didn't fully comprehend the pressure this would put on our current playing squad.... And the impact on the playing season.

The next pivotal move was the launch of our Viking Stronghold membership scheme, this I believe is the first of its kind in professional sport, it seeks to create and build a life long relationship with its supporters by keeping them engaged and informed. All the staff are involved in some way with this initiative. We are pleased to have 3,700 members thus far, but are still way off our target of 7,000 so there is more work to do. We need our members to remain patient and engaged through the off-season. Brian is developing some great offers and events and we need you to support these and your club.

The appointment of Denis Betts as Head Coach was met with some mixed reviews however the Board and I stand firmly behind Denis. He is a British coach who has intellect and integrity, and I would ask our members to show some tolerance. Denis will be judged on the performance of the squad over the coming seasons and the effectiveness of his recruitment for the Super League licence period. We are under no illusion that on-field performance generates membership and success, this is our primary focus.

Our i-pitch will be installed later in the year, again this is a UK first and will make the match-day experience something to remember and will assist our performance. We have plans to build a shop at the stadium and will be recruiting some more high-calibre administration staff to ensure we reach the targets we have put in place for next season. We are working with our sponsors and the stadium management team to improve our offer in many areas and we hope to really put Widnes Vikings back on the map.

Paul Cullen and Denis Betts have been working tirelessly to recruit a squad who have the right capabilities and values. There is a great deal more to do, be assured that we are all working relentlessly for you, our members.

There's no doubt that we have finished the season on a negative note. We haven't completed our goals on the field and I am desperately disappointed that we have not achieved the aim of winning a trophy this year and taking that back up to Super League with us. We have finished the season with five consecutive defeats and that has frustrated and disappointed our members. 2011 was focussed on developing local talent in order for us to build a youthful squad that has the pace and endurance for the much higher level of intensity needed for Super League. 12 locally produced players represented the club throughout the season, 8 of who have been rewarded with Super League contracts.

We have made some significant signings and there will be more to come. I would like nothing better to be writing this note as Grand Final and Northern Rail Cup winners but I'm convinced that we will have future success on a much bigger stage in the foreseeable future.

See you all in Super League.

Steveo - Member No.VS07000 '"

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