Deals for new players likely to be intra-season
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WIDNES fans may have to wait until the 2019 Betfred Championship season is underway before they see any significant further strengthening of the squad.
Head coach Kieron Purtill has given his strongest hint yet that he believes intra-season deals may be the way forward for the Vikings as they look to win their way back into Super League at the first attempt.
Rather than get too hung up on recruitment issues, the former Leigh Centurions boss intends to put all his energies into ensuring the players already at his disposal get the best possible preparation for the new campaign.
He said: “There’s nobody coming in the short-term but we’re always looking to strengthen the squad.
“We’ve got some pre-season games to get through and everyone deserves an opportunity to see where they’re at within the squad.
“Hopefully over the course of the season we’ll look to bring some bodies in. That will depend a bit on finances as well as how we go with injuries.”
Widnes will start their Championship season with a home game against Halifax RLFC on Sunday, February 3 (kick-off 3pm).
With three pre-season fixtures lined-up against Hull Kingston Rovers, Warrington Wolves and North Wales Crusaders, Purtill is looking to each of his players to put their hands up for a place against Halifax.
He also revealed that a couple of his charges are potential absentees when the pre-season action gets underway.
“There may be one or two players already nailed on for spots.
“But what I said to everybody when I started was that they all had a clean slate.
“That’s what the pre-season games are for; players will have a chance to prove their worth. Not everything’s set in stone so it’s up to those guys to grab their opportunity and perform.
“The two players who are probably going to miss a couple of the pre-season friendlies are Danny Craven and Tom Gilmore who have had shoulder surgery.
“Apart from that, the squad’s looking pretty healthy.
“We’ve got good numbers training including our U19s jumping in and helping out a couple of days a week. Everyone’s challenging for a spot.”
While keeping his eye on the big picture, Purtill believes the Vikings clash against former club Leigh at the Summer Bash on Sunday, May 19 will be one to particularly relish for the fans.
He added: “It’s a great weekend for the spectators in Blackpool.
“With it being the last game of the weekend, there might be a few partying supporters there and I’m sure they’ll be nice and vocal.
“I think it’s good that both clubs have a good following so there’ll be a good atmosphere and it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
Meanwhile, Widnes will take on partner club North Wales Crusaders on Sunday, January 27 (kick-off 3pm), in their final preseason fixture ahead of the 2019 Betfred Championship season.
Purtill’s men will visit Hull Kingston Rovers and Warrington Wolves before welcoming the League One outfit to the Select Stadium, in their final warm-up fixture before the start of the new campaign in the Championship.
This is the only chance for Vikings Members and supporters to see the side in action at home before the Championship season kick-offs against Halifax a week later.
Tickets for the final pre-season fixture of 2019 can be purchased now for a pre-Christmas discount of £10 for adults, and £5 for juniors, with prices rising in the New Year. Tickets are available to purchase from the Vikings Superstore or online.
Vikings Members and supporters can also purchase tickets for the club’s annual pre-season clash with neighbours Warrington Wolves from the Vikings Superstore.
The pre-season derby will not be taking place during the festive period this year, and will instead act as Ryan Atkins’s testimonial, with the Vikings making the trip to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, January 20 (kick-off 3pm).
Purtill’s men will face last season’s Super League Grand Finalists following a visit to the KCOM Craven Park to face Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, January 13.