If we can keep him then great as that give us a back three of Varks/Doran/Fletch

TBH the best signing of the lot is Thackeray, the team should be built around him.

Excellent player.

Oh yes forgot to ask, did nobody ask the question about the dual contracts in terms of becoming a feeder club? that's the last thing i want us to become. From reading around Tez suggested we had a couple lined up from Saints and Wigan/Wire.

but he's not definatly staying is he? I heard he was looking elsewhere.

It was said last night that he's signed on for next year, he also lives around the Widnes area im led to believe.

At the POM evening last night they confirmed the players that are signed up and staying next year. Thacks was one of those.

No mention of Dodd, Morrison or Fletcher.. someone has just added Flynn to the list too which is a massive relief. Although it was also mentioned that they are still negotiating with some players.

I wouldn't begrudge the lad a shot at SL but I'm delighted he's staying.

Was just thinking that. The three front rowers are all excellent players but can be replaced a little easier (i.e. Morrison - Pickersgill) but finding a stand off as good as Thackeray in this league is very difficult.

From the sounds of it we will have a number of players here on dual contracts from those clubs listed as they don't count on the cap. But it's reassuring that the bulk of the squad will be Widnes owned players.

On the topic of Thacks.. completely agree that I'm delighted he's staying. A real talent is that lad who has found confidence to go with his gut feel and the extra time that gives him has made him one of the best backs in this competition. He has a nice understanding with Webster too. It's a partnership that will only get better next year.

well yeah he is but thats not to say he is staying?
i heard he has interest from bradford
he signed a 2 year deal when he came here last year but that doesn't mean he is staying

Can you have dual contarcts with more than 1 club? That would suit better as wouldn't look as much like a feeder club as we'd have the pick of 3 teams etc!

Jamie it said on contarct and confirmed as staying! There are players who have contracts for next year but NOT confirmed staying... Thacks isn't one of those from what's said!

Thacks shudn't be confirmed as staying cos he is not 100% staying yet.
remember that 1st sept is from when they can start talking to other clubs, i know he wants to play super league not national league and i am sure he will see whats out there first before deciding to stay at widnes.
you don't have to tell the club what your plans are therefore they will say that cos he IS under contract for another year!!


and on another note Fletch has not been offered a deal by featherstone bnt a french club one of his mates who told me

Jamie, I think players out of contract for next year or those being released have been able to speak with other clubs up until this point and that the 1st deadline is simply when clubs can announce signings they've made from this group of players.
If Thacks is still contracted for next year why would he be out there talking to other clubs?

he has!!