It’s all change for new-look Vikings

Dec 13 2007 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

PLAYERS have come and gone over the seasons but changes to Widnes Vikings’ first-team squad for 2008 have been among the most dramatic yet. Just five players remain from the squad which lost October’s National League One Grand Final to Castleford Tigers. The quintet have so far been joined in a new-look senior squad, still being assembled, by youngsters promoted through the club youth system and more experienced newcomers.

Sports editor DAVE BETTLEY talks to a new Super League arrival, one of last season’s regulars and a player promoted through the Academy to get their perspectives on the challenges ahead.

JIM Gannon has been nothing but impressed with what he has witnessed since arriving at Stobart Stadium.

As a complete newcomer on the reborn club’s playing staff, he can offer a fresh perspective on the Vikings revolution.

Because of all the club has gone through since losing a second successive National League One Grand Final at the end of last season, Gannon admitted to having felt a touch apprehensive about what he was walking into.

But he said: “I have been to a few clubs now and I can honestly say I have never been to one where it is being overhauled to run so professionally and efficiently.

“Steve (O’Connor) is leaving no stone unturned which is a good thing.

“Everything seems to be sorted out behind the scenes, which is really good news and we can get on with the job on the field.

“I couldn’t be more happy.”

The 30-year-old prop is about to embark on his tenth season of English rugby league so will bring a great deal of experience to bear.

Gannon, raised Down Under in the rugby league hotbed of Newcastle, knows he is joining a club with a strong and proud tradition in the game.

“I can remember growing up in Australia with two rugby league clubs from England coming to mind – one was Wigan and the other Widnes.

“Widnes has got a lot of history in the game and it has been a very successful club and I hope we can bring back the glory days.”

With a young family settled at school, Gannon will be commuting from Halifax for training and games but has fellow newcomers Danny Hill and Iain Morrison plus Gavin Dodd – one of just five Vikings first-team survivors from last season – for company.

“It is only 40 minutes and I don’t mind the travelling anyway – it is a good crack with the boys,” he stressed.

Former Huddersfield and Hull KR front-rower Gannon is used to full-time training and believes the youngsters in the squad will benefit.

“It takes the intensity and professionalism up to a new level,” he said.

“In National League One, there are a lot of part-time teams and you have got the advantages of being a full-time if the club is in a position to do it.

“As far as fitness levels and skill development goes, especially with young players, you just don’t get that as a part-time club.

“You are basically doing the same training as a Super League club and spend a lot more time with each other.

“There’s not as much to distract you and you can concentrate more with it being your full-time job.”

Gannon trained as a motor mechanic before coming to this country but is now in the third year of a four-year sports science degree at Manchester Metropolitan University.

“It’s all done by distance learning,” said Gannon, who hopes the knowledge he is gaining will set him up for a new career once his playing days are over. But that is still some way off.

“I have signed here for two years and will maybe play another year after that if the body holds up and, touch wood, I have been quite lucky with injuries.

“You can’t beat the feeling of playing in a professional rugby league side and I won’t be rushing to retire, unless I feel I can’t give value for money.”