Vikings Academy set for a Gore workout
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WIDNES have promoted former player Grant Gore to the position of Academy head coach for 2018. Gore takes over the reins from Brett Hodgson, g whom he assisted last season, following the Australian’s switch to NRL side Wests Tigers.
As a player, the 25 year-old came through the Widnes Academy ranks before making his first team debut in 2011.
In total, he made more than 100 senior appearances for the Vikings, Whitehaven, North Wales Crusaders, Workington Town and Swinton Lions.
Phil Finney, Widnes Vikings’ head of f youth performance, said: “Grant has real talent as a coach and importantly understands the vision for our youth system.
“Having been involved with the Vikings since the age of 16, making the journey from the Academy and into the first team squad, Grant has a real affinity with this club.
“He understands the standards that we expect and what we are building here.
“Grant has proven his abilities by assisting Brett Hodgson and the trust that we have placed in him is well deserved.
“He has not only been appointed for his skill, but also his experience and ability to relate with our young players.
“He has been part of our system and experienced things that our players will encounter as they progress, whether that’s reaching the Super League squad or having to deal with some difficult challenges.
“Grant has a genuine interest in improving our players and contributing to our system, and we have seen him as the likely successor to Brett for some time.
“I am sure that he will grab this opportunity with both hands and build an exciting future as a coach.”
Gore himself is relishing g the p prospect p of guid- g ing the Vikings’ Academy prospects.
He said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to progress my coaching career with this exciting new role.
“Coaching young players is my passion, so it’s a p privilege to be able to take on this position in a c club that I love.
“I have grown up here and it means everyt thing to be able to support the progress of W Widnes Vikings.
“We have some very talented players and a g great system here, so it’s exciting to be able to play my part in supporting our players to fulfil their potential.
“Because of the experiences I’ve gained as a player - like going on loan, facing injuries and representing the first team – I can relate with the journey our boys are on and the effort they need to put in.
“Above all, I know the hard work, commitment and professionalism that this club demands and I will be working hard to instil this in the boys.
“I’m grateful for the faith Phil Finney has placed in me and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”
The appointment of Gore is part of a wider shake-up of the Vikings backroom team instigated by boss Denis Betts.
Former Bradford Bulls head coach Francis Cummins has come on board as an assistant to Betts and recently retired prop forward Eamon O’Carroll has been appointed as a performance coach.
The Vikings will also go into the 2018 season with a new strength and conditioning team, with Tim Holmes partnering with A Adam Daniels.
The pair will be aligning closely with Peter Talbot, head of sports science and medicines, to support player rehabilitation and o overall health.