Recruitment just the ticket for loyal fans

Oct 2 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES Vikings supporters are voting with their feet – splashing out £10,000 on new season tickets in under a week.

Increased sales follow a spate of recent signings which appear to have fired fans’ imaginations for the 2009 season.

The latest acquisitions of Australian half-back James Webster and young St Helens forward Sam Thompson, among others, appear to have been given the approval of the club’s fanbase.

Vikings’ chief executive Alex Bonney said: “I am very pleased with the upsurge in demand and with the early-bird deadline not until November 7, I’m sure Vikings’ fans will back the efforts of the club to put a trophy-winning team on the pitch.

“We have made a commitment to a full-time team and both Terry O’Connor and Steve McCormack have worked hard to both bring and retain quality players for 2009.”

The club fended off competition from six clubs in Super and National Leagues to sign Webster on a two-year contract.

The 29-year-old has spent the last four years on Humberside with Hull KR and Hull FC.

Widnes fans will remember his match-winning performance for the Robins against Vikings in the 2006 Grand Final.

Terry O’Connor, Widnes sporting director, who played in the game said: “I still can’t bring myself to forgive him for ruining my last competitive game which would have taken Widnes into Super League!

“On a serious note, he has been a stand-out player for Hull KR over the years and also the best player in the National League.

“Hopefully, he can bring that form and professionalism to the club and take us to the next level while showing our juniors what it takes to become a top player both on and off the pitch.”

Vikings’ head coach Steve McCormack said: “James is a terrific player and is somebody I have had in mind for a number of years.

“He is a proven performer at the top level, a natural leader and is an outstanding signing.”

Webster said: “I’m really excited about the move.

“All the Clubs I spoke to had some good points to offer but Widnes was the best.”

Fellow newcomer Sam Thompson arrives from Knowsley Road on a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old England Universities U19s and BARLA Great Britain U21s representative, has made six bench appearances for Saints this year.

Thompson said: “I’m very pleased to be signing for Widnes as it’s a great club that’s going places and I can’t wait to get started.

“They were very unlucky to miss out on a Super League licence last time round but I’m sure in three years’ time there will be nothing to stop them.”