Widnes Vikings re-admitted to National League One

Nov 19 2007

Widnes have been readmitted to National League One after coming out of administration - but the Vikings will start next season with a nine-point penalty.

The club incurred the penalty after breaking the Rugby Football League’s insolvency rules by going into administration following their failure to secure a return to Super League when they lost the Grand Final to Castleford last month.

However, Cheshire businessman Steve O’Connor took over the club at the start of November and now the club can look forward to competing again next year - albeit nine points in arrears.

A statement from the Vikings read: “The RFL board of directors have today readmitted Widnes Vikings to the Co-operative National League One competition from 2008 onwards.

“In accordance with the RFL operational rules, the Vikings’ membership of the competition was suspended after the club undertook an act of insolvency and the ownership of the club changed hands at the conclusion of the 2007 season.

“Also in accordance with the RFL operational rules the club will be deducted nine competition points with effect from the start of the 2008 co-operative National League season.”