Rugby League: Smith concerned for his future at troubled Vikings

Oct 11 2007 by Ian Cheveau, Liverpool Daily Post

WIDNES Vikings skipper Mark Smith claims he and a host of the club’s remaining top stars may be forced out the door at Halton Stadium.

Smith, 26, is the only player left from the side that was relegated from Super League two years ago and could follow a number of Vikings players who have already left the club following its embarrassing 42-10 Grand Final defeat to Castleford Tigers.

He said: “I have yet to receive an offer from Widnes. I understand that all contracts are now null and void so the players who are still here don’t know where they are.

“Obviously we all have families at the end of the day and we need to provide for them so the club needs to get in touch with us. I’m proud to captain Widnes and that will always be the case but I still want to play footy next year and whether or not that is part time or not is another matter.”

Smith also divulged that Bob Beswick, Oliver Wilkes and Scott Grix are all in the same predicament as himself.

Widnes’s prolific stand-off Dennis Moran is the latest big name to leave the club. The half-back, who was voted National League One Player of the Year, has agreed a one-year deal with rivals Leigh Centurions. Moran will link up with former Vikings’ scrum-half Ian Watson.

Leigh also snapped up Gareth Price and Toa Kohe-Love and it’s believed Widnes’ record points scorer Mick Nanyn is being courted by promoted Castleford Tigers with Leeds Rhinos likely to make a move for powerful prop-forward Wilkes.

Widnes coach Steve McCormack is believed to be attracting the interest of Barrow Border Rangers.

Vikings insist they retain hopes of securing a place in Super League for 2009 despite calling in the administrator.

The Vikings are hoping for new owners and say they have already received a number of “positive approaches”.

“Although the club is in administration, supporters should rest assured that we still have Super League aspirations and, once new owners come on board, we will be continuing to pursue a Super League licence for 2009,” said spokesman Pat Cluskey.