Player search not over yet

Jan 3 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

VIKINGS’ new sporting director Terry O’Connor says Steve McCormack has identified a half-back and a centre to bolster the squad in time for the new season.

O’Connor, who was last week drafted into chairman Steve O’Connor’s off-the-field dream team, reckons the Vikings are closing in on some new faces before Widnes kick-off 2008 against Blackpool on February 3.

Former Widnes skipper O’Connor was remaining tight-lipped about the identity of the players but it’s believed the Vikings are monitoring the situation of ex-Leigh and Halifax star Aaron Heremaia as well as a host of others.

McCormack is likely to wait until the start of the National League season before further recruiting, while the Super League kick-off will throw up the possibility of loan signings.

It could well be that some of Widnes’s departed stars, like Oli Wilkes, could even return if they find themselves out of favour at their respective clubs.

Heremaia, a player who doesn’t count on the overseas quota, had signed for the Vikings before the club was plunged into administration. But in the turmoil that followed, the scrum-half or stand-off opted to sign for Halifax.

However, he shocked Fax by returning Down Under nearly a month ago. If Heremaia stays in Sydney, then the Vikings would be presented with the same problem as Halifax who are in direct competition to Widnes for a specialist number seven.

Speculation is growing that Heremaia – if he were to return to the UK – would prefer a move to the Vikings and he is a player McCormack is keen on.

Terry O’Connor said: “I think everyone knows that we are short at half-back and centres. Steve is looking at bringing in players in those positions and we are looking at a few options.

“We have got the basis of a very good squad and Steve has done wonders putting a team together considering what time he has had.”

O’Connor, was quick to clarify his role at the club and stressed he has no influence over McCormack’s coaching decisions, although he will have ‘a hand’ in bringing ‘quality’ players to the club.

He said: “Steve will look after all the on-the-field stuff and I won’t be involved in that. Obviously, if Steve wants my advice, I’m there for him as he is a great friend. But it won’t be like what goes on in soccer with sporting directors.

“I’m hoping I will be able to take a lot of pressure off Steve’s shoulders by looking after all the off-field activities involving the players, their welfare and offering practical support to them, leaving Steve free to concentrate all his energies on the playing side and developing a successful team.”

Chairman Steve O’Connor added: “At the outset I made it clear we would transform this club by introducing experienced business professionals to work alongside talented and successful people from the world of rugby league. Terry O’Connor is ideally placed to help us achieve our goals of securing the long-term future of this club and mounting a successful campaign to win one of the coveted Super League licences.”

The chairman has also brought in former Doncaster Lakers boss John Stankevitch as McCormack’s assistant.

Widnesian Stankevitch was always going to return to his home- town club and it was just a matter of time before the Vikings announced his arrival after his involvement in training sessions since Christmas.