THE Widnes fans, rugby league supporters and journalists have reacted to the news of the departure of head coach Denis Betts.

Some welcome the move, with Vikings anchored to the foot of the table, but others suggest the problems at Vikings are more deep-seated.

On Twitter: Nikki Fahey @fahey1203. "Hope all the deserters who said they weren't going to watch a game until he had gone put their money where their mouth is and get back to the games, generate cash in the club to buy all these better players you keep asking for! "

nicko82 @nicholasdoran82. "He did the best with what he had. Problems run a lot deeper than Betts unfortunately."

IAN GATWARD @gatwardian, "Was Denis Betts the only problem at @WidnesRL, not a favourite with the fans I guess but if you look at the whole record since he took over, I think he did a great job, but it's a much much bigger problem at the club and he is the person taking the rap."

Helen Walsh-ONeill @Hellsbells "Wish Denis all the best where ever he gos but Now let’s get back to Winning Come On Widnes Vikings you are a Super League team Come On Yes xxx."

James Gordon, @jdgsport "Widnes confirm Denis Betts has gone. Probably time for a change, but would have liked to have seen what he could have done spending the full salary cap (especially with Kevin Brown). Five straight away games is a tough baptism of fire for Francis Cummins."

John, @Johnh1991. "Changes need to be higher up than just Betts in my opinion. Rule appears to have completely lost direction these last couple of seasons, fans dwindling by the week and simply aren't buying into his rhetoric."

Born Vikings, @ComeOnWidnes: "Right decision by the club. We were making the same mistakes every week and nothing was going to change with Betts in charge."

Mike Grady, @MikeGrady04. "Things won’t suddenly turn around just because Betts goes, if that’s the case of course. If so the fans that have been calling for it need to get behind the club and get through the turnstiles."

John Cooper @JohnMUFC20. "Did a good job under the circumstances."

Chris Irvine @Chrisirvine "Is Denis Betts really the problem at Widnes? Worked wonders there since 2010 #rugbyleague."

phillColeman @phillColeman. "Not sure who could have done a better job but there have been far too many sub-effort performances over the years. I get injuries & bad luck, I get the number of good & great performances, but there seems to be no middle ground ... never just "average".

Mike Lloyd @mikelloyd63. "Something had to change, although the appalling lack of investment in players meant he was hampered. Rule should go too."

Tonymacaroni @Tonymac86528223. "Sad day for Denis but the right decision. We were - are still - heading for disaster. Let's get behind Franny to a man!"

Wild viking @Wildredviking. "Done well with the young players but as head coach failed to inspire surprised he was allowed to stay as long as he did."