Rotheram urges pal McCormack to stick with Widnes
Last updated 12:38, Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Ex-Whitehaven boss Steve McCormack has been urged by pal Dave Rotheram to stick with Widnes and have another tilt at Super League in three-years’ time after their confident bid for a top-flight licence was rejected yesterday.
The RFL instead opted for Salford, who had been widely expected to be handed a three-year licence, and Celtic Crusaders, who appear to have posted a weaker bid than the Vikings but had the prospect of opening up Super League to south Wales.
“Steve’s not going to lose his job over this,” said Town boss Rotheram, who is McCormack’s No 2 in the Scotland set-up.
“But it’s disappointing for him that he won’t get another go for at least three years with Widnes.
“I go down regularly to see him at the club, and the transformation at Widnes is unbelievable.
“They have employed people in those areas the RFL wanted, and it’s unrecognisable from the club 12 months ago.
“Obviously other things have gone against them, and they have to keep their heads down, work hard and hopefully back-up in three years’ time. They need to get feedback on key points for 2012.”
New owner Steve O’Connor, who took Widnes out of administration in November, is sticking by the club and planning to make another bid when the licence system in reviewed.
“We must build on the solid foundations we have laid down over the past eight months and prepare an absolutely irresistible licence application for the future,” he said.
“I feel it is vital for the game as a whole that the Super League flourishes under this new licence system and I’m still convinced that Widnes Vikings have all the credentials to become a powerful force in Super League.”
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