Vikings to put faith in youth

Sep 11 2008 By Dave Bettley

A STRONGER Widnes Vikings side will return to mount a genuine Co-operative National League One title challenge next season – according to sporting director Terry O’Connor.

The former Vikings powerhouse has been busy securing the signatures of some of Widnes’s best young players, as well as that of an old favourite, following the play-off heartache at Halifax.

Youngsters Antony Mullally, Josh Simm and Shane Grady have penned three- year deals while Matt Strong, Scott Yates and Paddy Flynn have signed for the next two seasons with team-mate Michael Ostick being contracted until the end of the 2009 season.

O’Connor also refused to rule out a move for promising St Helens youngster Sam Thompson.

He said: "Getting beat in the last game will be a learning curve for these young players and its now up to them what they want to achieve.

"The elevation of these players to the first-team squad, plus the extension of contracts for others, shows that Widnes Vikings are keen to give home-grown talent a chance.

"The coaching staff have identified these players as potential regular first-team players and they will also be members of the JETS squad under the guidance of John Stankevitch and Stuart Wilkinson."

He added: "Next season we could see 10 lads under the age of 21 involved.

"These players have been given the opportunity to play first-team rugby league and it is now up to them to step up to the mark and make a name for themselves."

Returning to the club is Toa Kohe-Love, who featured in the 2007 Northern Rail Cup- winning side before moving to Leigh in 2008.

Kohe-Love said: "I’m delighted to be coming back to Widnes and in truth I never wanted to leave but events off the pitch forced my hand.

"For the majority of the time it was really enjoyable and I’m glad to be given the opportunity to return because as far as I’m concerned it’s a case of unfinished business."

O’Connor believes Kohe- Love will not be the only new arrival at the Stobart Stadium, Halton.

"The coach has identified the players he wants and we expect to make probably three more exciting signings before the start of next season."

Widnes have confirmed that out-of-contract Bob Beswick will leave club after agreeing a deal with Halifax for the 2009 season.

O’Connor said: "There will be a few players that the club will be sad to see go and Bob is one of them.

"I played with him myself and he’s been a fantastic professional for Widnes both on and off the pitch."

On-loan stars Matty Smith, Chris Dean and Steve Tyrer have all returned to parent club St Helens and are unlikely to feature again for Vikings.