Perhaps Big Des should take a leaf out of our book and 'quietly' go about his business, maybe he won't end up with egg on his face and leave his fans up in arms..

Makes you wonder how many more of the announced 're-signings' have actually put pen to paper?

I think one of the directors on your board has cleared things up. It looks like he had indeed signed a two year deal but had approached the club about being released a few weeks back so I don't think there is anything to worry about from your end Gary. He also states that they did this with the intention of signing an adequate replacement. No mention of a transfer fee being paid which is the only thing I would see as being out of place.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Richard Fletcher announced up there shortly as he is currently without a club. A terrific player if you can keep him on the pitch. There have also been a few rumours about Mike Ostick?? A good young forward but these were only very slight rumours.

I thought Ostick had signed for Salford.

I am wondering if Dave Allens change of heart has anything to do with our new coach ? He played under him in 2006. I am simply clutching at straws with that one though. I am more of the opinion that not having to travel 4 hours is a big reason for signing for Widnes. I thought Dave did a fantastic job for us and I think he will be a great signing for WIdnes. What stinks a bit is the fact he gave his word and has gone back on that. I won't resort to slagging him off because whats the point. Great player but a man of his word he ain't unfortunatley.

You also forgot to mention the pride at being given the chance to return to his hometown club and the better prospects he has for playing SL in the near future with us

Of course, Gary, he 'gave his word' to Leigh too! He was actually training with Leigh, in the week leading up to our 'game' at Barrow. It came as something of a surprise to see him playing against us that evening! Perhaps that just proves what you are saying about him?

Dave's a Widnes lad all the way, when his ban finished he was hoping his ex club come in for him but we didnt. He then signed for Oldham and it was clear to see that the talent was still very much booming. McCormack didnt want him back however and thus he signed other players in Allens position. Cullen came in and actually had extensive talks with Dave about coming to us this season but he couldnt sign him at the time as our cap was full. Dave then moved on to Leigh with the promise of a very nice 2 year deal as he wasnt 100% sure the Widnes deal would come off. In between Des from Barrow promised a few envelopes and the rest is history as soon as we renewed our interest.


Dave is back home and raring to go, a big off season will see him the best second rower in the division next year.

You have a remarkable insight VM.

I thought that the director had said Allen had took the contract with him but it was unsigned. It appears Barrow were under the impression that it would be signed, but it never was so thats the reason why no fee was involved. I think some Barrow fans were a bit pi$$ed because the club had announced that he had already signed - which was untrue.

Correct with that one. I wonder which other players have signed contracts 'with their word' I can't understand why players have been announced as signed when they clearly haven't.

Yep, you are quite correct V4E.. it does say that he left with the contract in his hand but it looks like he never signed it.

I misread it.

Once he found out who his coach would be a barrow it was a no brainer