Rugby League: Former Vikings coach eyes return

Oct 24 2007

Former Widnes coach Neil Kelly is one of five men to express an interest in succeeding Steve McCormack.

The Vikings have received expressions of interest from home and abroad since McCormack announced he would be leaving to become assistant coach to Justin Morgan at Hull KR.

No appointment can be made until the club comes out of administration but it is thought they could have new owners by the end of the month.

Former Salford coach Karl Harrison has also been linked with the vacancy and would be available to fill the post with immediate effect.

Kelly, who was Super League coach of the year five years ago after helping the Vikings consolidate their place in the top flight, is coming to the end of a three-year contract as Ulster’s defence coach and contemplating his future in rugby union.

“I have always regarded myself as a rugby league coach and that is where I see my future,” he told the Liverpool Daily Post.

“I have achieved a lot since moving to Ulster, including winning the Magners League, but I feel now is the time where I want to come back home and I’m keen to get back into coaching rugby league somewhere.”

Kelly led Dewsbury to National League Grand Final success in 2000 before moving to Widnes, where he masterminded their promotion to Super League in his first full season.