Widnes Vikings gear up for new season

10:04am Wednesday 12th November 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

DESPITE a number of the Vikings’ players and back-room staff being in Australia for the Rugby League World Cup it is business as usual for the players in Widnes.

Pre-season training is already well under way at the Stobart Stadium under the guidance of acting head coach John Stankevitch.

Stepping up in the absence of boss Steve McCormack - who has been on duty with Scotland in Australia - Stankevitch has been putting the new-look Vikings through their paces a month earlier than usual.

He said: “Players have returned a month earlier than normal and realise that the hard work must start now.

“The players are now into their third week of pre-season training with the programme written to ensure high fitness and high strength building.

“After missing pre-season last year, we need to hit the ground running and be mentally strong.

“The lads have shown great determination so far. Individually all of the players have returned with added determination to be successful.”

SUCCESS on the field would match that achieved already off it, with Vikings fans stunning club officials with their response to their ‘Early Bird’ offer.

The club had sold 1,797 season tickets by the end of last Friday’s deadline, which is 73 per cent of the total sold for last season.

With the 2009 season not due to start for another three months Vikings’ officials are hopeful that the fantastic response will continue over Christmas and into the New Year.

‘Delighted’ Widnes’ chief executive Alex Bonney said: “The numbers taking advantage of the Early Bird offer has taken us all by surprise and I would, once again, like to thank every single fan for their support.

“Our initial statement at the launch of this campaign was ‘Full-time club, full-time supporters’ and I am delighted that our fans have backed the investment we have made in the ‘Team of 09.’ “We are not going to rest on our laurels, however, and we will continue to work hard behind the scenes to ensure that 2009 will be a great season both on and off the field.”

MEANWHILE, tickets for the friendly game at Knowsley Road on 27 December are now available from the Stobart Stadium reception.

There are discount for season ticket holders with advance tickets priced at £13 adults, £8 young adults (aged 16-18 and not in full-time education) and £5 concessions (under-16s, students and 60 and over).

For non-season ticket holders the advance prices are £14 adults, £11 young adults and £8 concessions.

Season ticket holders must produce their card when buying tickets.