"Widnes can dominate the entire Universe" says Viking Chief

[Mr Widnes]

Well, not quite but he might as well have done:

WIDNES chairman Steve O’Connor believes the Vikings can ‘dominate’ rugby league in the coming years.

The club submitted its bid for a Super League place in 2012 last week.

But speaking exclusively to the Liverpool Echo, O’Connor insisted his team won’t be there just to make up the numbers if their bid is successful.

He said: “We believe we’ve got a management team, an infrastructure and a business plan that could dominate this sport for many years to come.

“We’ve seen four or five clubs taking most of the honours in the last 15 years or so.

“There’s no reason why Widnes couldn’t be one of those clubs.

“We’re very confident we can be a dominant force in rugby in years to come.”

The Vikings face competition for a Super League place from fellow Championship clubs Halifax and Barrow.

Only one team who meets the RFL’s selection criteria is guaranteed to make the step up.

O’Connor is confident Widnes are leading from the front having been denied a place in the elite during the last round of licensing.

He also believes the club’s outstanding junior development programme is set to bring benefits for England’s prospects in the international arena.

He added: “We’ve spent more than two years digesting, comprehending and delivering what Rugby League requires.

“Rugby League needs Widnes Vikings to deliver another very competitive team.

“They need a club that can bring a fabulous fanbase and professional, global sponsors.

“I believe our whole package is just so much more robust than the competition.

“We’re all about sustainability and delivering a supply chain to a sport that needs positive stories.

“We’ve got some great youngsters coming through who will ultimately help solve some of the problems we have at international level.

“We’re looking to supply three or four players for the World Cup team in 2013 and beyond.”

Meanwhile, the Vikings are stepping up their preparations for the Co-operative Championship season.

This week the club unveiled their new ‘away’ strip at an event hosted by one of the club’s sponsors, James Edwards Land Rover of Chester.

“I think the fans will be impressed with our new away kit.

“And unveiling here at James Edwards is another sign of how we’re working in partnership with our sponsors.

“James Edwards Land Rover is a brand that’s about ruggedness and honesty which is a great fit for Rugby League.”


http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/other-sports/2010/12/09/widnes-can-dominate-rugby-league-says-vikings-chief-100252-27794177/

1...2....3.....

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiidnes!

[TheGoldenBoot]

I don't know whether the hall of fame accepts chairmen but in years to come, SOC's legacy should make him worthy of a place. Every word that comes out of his mouth inspires confidence in me.

[Brynhild]

THIS...IS...WIDNES!!!!!!

 

[J20]

Great words from a great man....

Wiiiiiiidnes!

[Peter]

A very good article.  And the best about it is that it is absolutely true.

Back come the Glory Years!

[Dawn]

It is a wonderful article, and Mr O'Connor does us proud with his long term vision, and again I count my blessings that we have such a grounded and visionary Chairman.


But I still fear the banana skin and articles such as these I want to ignore for that reason!!   

I will be there on 31st March (I hope it is still 31st March!!) and supporting the Vikings for the rest of my life no matter what.  But I do not trust RFL, and I don't want to count our chickens before........   

[rs]

And we return the favour with 4 pages mars-barring off the new kit and undermining a significant income stream 

[GSF]

Some months ago,when it became apparent that Widnes were favourites for SL,the thought filled me with dread.I had visions of us copping good hidings of 40 odd points every other week.But when I hear talk like that and on Granada news last week then I can't wait.Bring it on,lets have some.

[mascoviking]

And we return the favour with 4 pages mars-barring off the new kit and undermining a significant income stream 

yep rs, your right on that one mate.

[Ham 69]

Have a word with yourself, will you. The kit is awful and there is no point pretending otherwise. Doesnt mean your not a good Widnes fan. Doesnt mean you wont buy the home kit and lots of other things. The people who have undermined that particular funding stream in the run up to Christmas are the ones who approved the design, not the fans.

[Peter]

Have a word with yourself, will you. The kit is awful and there is no point pretending otherwise. Doesnt mean your not a good Widnes fan. Doesnt mean you wont buy the home kit and lots of other things. The people who have undermined that particular funding stream in the run up to Christmas are the ones who approved the design, not the fans.

And I think SO'C will like the honest feedback.  If the fans had been given three choices of design in October and the opportunity to vote for the one they thought was the best, I don't think Orange and Grey would have come third in the voting, whatever the other colours were.

[TheGoldenBoot]

Have a word with yourself, will you. The kit is awful and there is no point pretending otherwise. Doesnt mean your not a good Widnes fan. Doesnt mean you wont buy the home kit and lots of other things. The people who have undermined that particular funding stream in the run up to Christmas are the ones who approved the design, not the fans.

I think you should have a word with yourself, unless you are the spokesman for ALL Widnes fans. In YOUR opinion it is awful. In the opinion of SOME others they think it is awful too. However there are many who actually like it and have already bought it, so your concrete stamp of disapproval means little on the grand scheme of things.

It is people who come out with negative non-constructive criticism using words like AWFUL without adding anything substantial or any balance to their opinion that undermine things. Are you one of those people?

[Bomb Jack]

And I think SO'C will like the honest feedback.  If the fans had been given three choices of design in October and the opportunity to vote for the one they thought was the best, I don't think Orange and Grey would have come third in the voting, whatever the other colours were.

Agreed Peter.

A poll would have been a better option.

[Hope]

So now polls should be made central to making business decisons at Widnes Vikings?  Backing up Golden Boot et al, it seems the Peoples front of Widnes is in full swing in the off season.

The thing about that Ste O'Connor is, what has he ever done for us?

[Peter]

So now polls should be made central to making business decisons at Widnes Vikings?  Backing up Golden Boot et al, it seems the Peoples front of Widnes is in full swing in the off season.

The thing about that Ste O'Connor is, what has he ever done for us?

New one to me?