Home is where the Hardman is

Apr 24 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

IAN Hardman has committed himself to Vikings for the rest of the season.

He had been on loan with his hometown club from St Helens but has now signed a “permanent” deal at Stobart Stadium Halton, which could be extended once the outcome of Vikings’ Super League licence application is decided.

Vikings’ sporting director Terry O’Connor engineered the move, which has seen Hardman, 22, removed from the Knowsley Road books.

Head coach McCormack said: “Ian deserves a big rap as he has been in great form for us.

“He signed as a full-back but we have been using him in the centres and he is doing an excellent job.

“He is getting better and better for us as the season goes on.

“Ian’s a player who we would like to have at the club for a long time and I think he sees it the same way.”

Hardman said: “I would like to be at Widnes next season and in years to come.

“As a lad coming up through the ranks, it’s your dream to pull on the colours of your hometown club.

“I signed for Saints when I was 16 from West Bank and I really enjoyed my time there.

“But I was a bit frustrated as I wasn’t playing as often as I would have liked and that is one of the reasons why I joined Widnes.

“Steve has given me an opportunity and I’m really enjoying my rugby.”

McCormack has been lifted by two other pieces of good fortune in the transfer market before Sunday’s crunch National League One home clash with Celtic Crusaders.

He signed Whitehaven’s Scottish international back-rower Richard Fletcher while highly-rated Bradford Bulls centre Jason Crookes, 17, has rejoined on a temporary basis.

All three “newcomers” could be available this weekend, as Hardman expects to shake off a niggling ankle injury.

The signing of Fletcher, exclusively forecast in the Weekly News at the beginning of March, has followed continuing speculation over the 26-year-old’s future.

“Fletch” had been unsettled at the Recreation Ground since the start of the season.

He is destined to join Scotland coach McCormack on the plane to Australia for the World Cup finals later this year.

McCormack said: “I’m delighted to have him on board and am looking forward to seeing him in a Widnes jersey as soon as possible.”

Fletcher said: “Steve has brought out the best of me at international level and I’m sure he will do the same at Widnes.”

McCormack and his players are kicking “political issues” firmly into touch before Sunday’s game – the two parties in direct competition for a Super League spot.

He said: “There is a lot of talk about the licences and rivalry between the teams and the bids but their coach John Dixon and I certainly don’t see it like that.

“Our job is to get the players ready to perform and that is what we are doing.”

Sunday sees the Stobart Stadium Halton host the Halifax National Youth League final between Leigh Miners Rangers and West Hull (ko 12.45pm).

Tickets for this game are available at £5 adults and £2 concessions and these will only be on sale between 11am and 12.45pm on matchday at Stadium Fitness.

These tickets are for Block G of the South Stand only and fans will not be admitted to the Stadium with these discounted tickets after 1pm.

Vikings have landed an appetising home draw against Super Leaguers Hull FC in the Carnegie Challenge Cup – the tie is likely to be played on Sunday, May 11 after being overlooked for “live” TV coverage.