Vikings hand coach new deal

Aug 7 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Liverpool Daily Post

WIDNES coach Steve McCormack has signed a new contract for the 2009 season following talks with chairman Steve O’Connor.

O’Connor moved swiftly to secure the services of McCormack for the 2009 season following Vikings’ disappointment at missing out on a Super League licence.

McCormack, a former double National League Coach of the Year, has a proven track record after being involved in four consecutive Grand Finals with former club Whitehaven and Widnes.

O’Connor said: “Steve has done extremely well in very difficult circumstances this year. He was the natural choice to appoint as head coach when I took over the club as he had twice taken Widnes Vikings within touching distance of reaching Super League in previous seasons. My view has not altered – Steve’s still very much the right man for the job.”

McCormack said: “I’m delighted to be staying at Widnes. Of course missing out on Super League has been a massive disappointment but exciting things are happening here and I want to be a part of it. I’m confident I can continue to build a successful team to make those dreams come true.”

McCormack added: “Our youth policy will still be central to Vikings’ development but we are also keen to secure experienced players that our youngsters can learn from. We’ve probably used more young players under the age of 21 in the first team this season than any other club. All those players will have benefited enormously from that experience. We are still on course to secure a top-six finish this season to reach the National League play-offs and that remains our top priority.”

Huddersfield Giants caretaker coach Paul Anderson has signed a new two-year deal with the engage Super League club.

The 36-year-old former St Helens prop has been sharing the coaching duties at the Galpharm Stadium with Kieron Purtill since the sacking of Jon Sharp in June.