The wait of expectation

Nov 15 2007 by Alex Turner, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A NATIONAL League club is guaranteed a Super League licence – but only in 2012.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has set out more details about their plans, but much of their focus was on the second round of applications after the first three-year licences have finished.

However, they did say they expect to receive 18 applications this time for an expected 14 Super League places in 2009.

In addition to the current Super League sides, Salford City Reds, Celtic Crusaders and Toulouse are certain to join Widnes in submitting an application.

National League One sides Leigh and Halifax are likely to also apply.

The RFL have stated a National League club will definitely get a Super League franchise for 2012-14, either as a result of expanding the top flight or by replacing an existing licence holder.

However, the National League club must have played in one of the Grand Finals in the previous three-year period.

The 2008 Grand Final will be the first chance for National League clubs to qualify to apply because the 2011 Grand Final will come too late to affect the second round of licence applications.

The RFL also expect to increase the prize money – currently £100,000 – for the National League One champions.

However, the Vikings are still waiting for confirmation that they will be playing in National League One next season.

New owner Steve O’Connor, along with club chief executive Pete Barrow and Halton Council leader Tony McDermott, met with officials from the Rugby Football League ten days ago but yesterday they were still waiting for an announcement.

It is believed that players’ signings will only be announced once the club’s status is confirmed.

However, Mark Smith, Paul Noone, Dean Gaskell and Gavin Dodd are expected to stay at Halton Stadium.

It is possible the club could start next season on zero points because, although they will still play as Widnes Vikings, it is a new company.

When London Broncos underwent the same change in 2005, they were not deducted points.

The RFL’s operational rules allow for a range of punishments, even for a new applicant.

Rule A3 says: ‘The Board shall have the right to admit a new member as a member on any terms as it sees fit, which for the avoidance of doubt, may include financial, administrative and/or sporting sanctions.’

The rules also make clear that they do not need to follow previous decisions.

The Vikings’ case may not be helped by one of the companies who were left out of pocket by the club’s financial problems.

Northern Rail, sponsors of the National League cup which the Vikings won in July, are privately annoyed that they will not be paid the £4,000 owed to them from the fans’ train they put on from Widnes for the Blackpool final.

The company, which has sponsored the competition for three seasons, is also the official transport provider of the Rugby Football League.

This week the Vikings have had to suspend their lottery scheme following the changes at the club.

Chief executive Pete Barrow said: ‘A letter is being sent to all agents outlining the current position and the new management team will ensure fans who have prizes to collect from the most recent draws will receive them.

‘The new owners of Widnes Vikings will also ensure that arrangements with agents and the former club management with regards to commission will be honoured to ensure that no-one loses out financially.

‘However, agents are asked to cease collecting with immediate effect.’

Mr Barrow did, however, expect there to be an announcement soon about the club’s fundraising plans.

He said: ‘Future fundraising efforts on behalf of Widnes Vikings, including lottery-ticket sales, form a key part of the business plans currently under consideration by the new owners of the club.

‘We hope to be in a position to unveil details of new fundraising arrangements over the coming weeks.’

There will be no Boxing Day trip to the Halliwell Jones Stadium next month after Warrington Wolves announced the Vikings had withdrawn from the traditional derby fixture.