McCormack sad to leave

Oct 25 2007 by Alex Turner, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

HEAD coach Steve McCormack and top points scorer Mick Nanyn are the latest departures from Halton Stadium.

McCormack announced his resignation on Tuesday and yesterday Nanyn followed his ex-boss through the exit door by signing for National League Two side Oldham.

McCormack had been on the verge of taking over as head coach at Barrow but was confirmed yesterday as Justin Morgan’s assistant at Super League club Hull KR.

Within less than a day of McCormack’s exit, the Vikings had received five applications or expressions of interest in the post and these are being passed onto the administrator handling the club’s affairs.

Former Vikings coach Neil Kelly – currently coaching with Ulster rugby union – is being linked with the post, along with ex-Salford and England boss Karl Harrison and former Leigh and Rochdale boss Darren Abram.

McCormack said: ‘It has been a challenging and enjoyable two years at Widnes and I am sad to leave.

‘However, with all the off- the-field changes currently taking place, I feel that it is in the best interests of all parties to have a fresh start in 2008.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club and all the fans for their support over the last two seasons and wish them every success for the forthcoming season.’

McCormack replaced Frank Endacott as Vikings coach in October 2005 after leading Whitehaven to the brink of promotion twice in three years.

However, he faced disappointment in two more Grand Finals with Widnes as a return to Super League, where he had coached Salford City Reds for 10 months, continued to elude him.

Success in this year’s Northern Rail Cup was followed a few days later by the announcement of a new two-year contract for McCormack.

However, Grand Final success was demanded by the club’s fans – and as it turned out, by the finances – and since the club went into administration, McCormack’s future had looked increasingly insecure.

One of the consortiums bidding to purchase Widnes Vikings set out their plans to more than 100 fans last Friday.

Lol Ogburn was joined by former directors Alan Gregson and Graham Ashton, former general manager Harold Lynskey and club sponsor Jason Brown as they answered questions about their plans for the club.

However, progress rests on the quality of the two consortiums’ business plans which must satisfy the administrator.

Halton Borough Council chief executive David Parr said: ‘The decision on any acquisition of the Vikings rests solely with the administrator, although he has advised he will be seeking the views of the council and the RFL.

‘We have offered to meet anyone interested in developing a rescue package.’

Five of the Vikings’ 2007 squad were in Ireland’s starting line-up as they beat Russia 58-18 in a World Cup qualifier in Carlow, Ireland.

Two-try Bob Beswick was Ireland’s star man, while Damien Blanch scored a hat-trick. Scott Grix, Gavin Dodd and Lee Doran also featured.

Second-rower Lee Doran has joined Leigh Centurions on a one-year deal while Oliver Wilkes and Grix are still being strongly linked with Wakefield.