Vikings boss has nothing to prove

Apr 10 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

VIKINGS coach Steve McCormack insists he has nothing to prove on facing the club which axed him.

The Widnes coach was sacked by tomorrow’s hosts Salford City Reds – paying the price for a disastrous start to the 2002 Super League season.

McCormack said: “I really am looking forward to this game because it's always good going back to Salford.

“I was at The Willows from 1995-2002 and I really enjoyed my time there.

“During that spell, I was quite successful in the Academy teams but things didn’t turn out the way I hoped with the first team.

“I took over from John Harvey and the team wasn’t in the best of shapes.

“I did all I could and put 100% into it and did my best as always. But it just didn’t work out for me.

“I think I’m a better coach and person for that experience at Salford and I have moved on and done some good things with Whitehaven and Widnes.

“We will be going there on Friday not to prove anything – just to get the three points and play like we know we can.”

Something has to give tomorrow as Vikings put their 100% National League One record on the line at the City Reds, who have likewise won their first three.

McCormack’s Vikings are gearing up for their biggest test of the season as they clash with the league and Northern Rail Cup favourites at The Willows (ko 8pm).

Both head coach McCormack and his Reds counterpart Shaun McRae reckon the game has “extra special” ingredients.

McCormack said: “It’s a big game as someone’s going to lose their unbeaten league record.

“We have prepared well for it and knowing Shaun McRae, he will have his side up for it and ready so it will be a good game.

“The Willows is always a difficult place to go and get a result but the players know what’s expected of them on Friday.”

The game has added spice as it will be the first time former Widnes scrum-half Richard Myler and forwards Steven Nash and Adam Sidlow will be up against their former club since switching to the Reds in the off-season.

McCormack said: “Richard has the potential to be a really good player. We were disappointed that we couldn’t keep hold of him – we did everything we could at the time.

“I didn’t see much of Nashy at Widnes as he was injured for a lot of the time I was coach.

“But he has been playing well for Salford and Adam can be a handful as well if he gets a start.”

McRae also reckons the game has added incentive for the Widnes trio.

He said: “The Widnes game is one I and the players look for. Widnes is absolutely one of the biggest games of the year.

“There is a bit of history between the two clubs as they have been in Super League together. And if Nashy, Richard and big Adam play, then it will be extra special for them.”

Vikings will again be without Paul Noone (knee) but Rob Draper is expected to shake off a leg problem to keep his place.