Lucky Vikings fan to have cost of season ticket reimbursed (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Lucky Vikings fan to have cost of season ticket reimbursed

1:18pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in Vikings news

A LUCKY Widnes Vikings supporter will have his or her season ticket paid in full by the club.

Vikings’ search for their oldest Stronghold member will prove to be good for the pocket of one fortunate fan.

Chief executive James Rule said: “The Widnes Vikings have a passion to develop the fans of tomorrow and invests significantly via its Valhalla Foundation to build the necessary networks and opportunities needed to find those supporters.

“However, the club also recognises that it has a huge responsibility to stop and thank our existing members and fans.

“Therefore, we are delighted to announce that the oldest existing Viking Stronghold member on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, will have the price they have paid - if they have paid up front or would have paid if they pay by direct debit for their 2013 season membership - totally reimbursed by the club!”

Members have to be put forward to be in contention.

If you think that you could be the oldest member, or if you know somebody who you believe could be, send an email to tellus@widnesvikings.co.uk, making sure to include the name, date of birth and Stronghold membership number.

Meanwhile, Thomas Coyle has been snapped up to play in the Championship with Leigh Centurions next season after being released by Widnes Vikings.

Coyle, who has had previous spells at Wigan Warriors, Halifax and Oldham, joined Vikings ahead of the 2010 campaign and his all-action style, utility value and consistent performances earned him the ‘Players' Player of the Year’ honour as well as a full-time contract following the club’s successful return to Super League rugby.

But he never got to make his mark in Super League with Vikings.

During an under 20s game versus Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at the Stobart Stadium last February, the 24 year-old suffered a compound fracture of his left tibia and fibula which ruled him out of contention for the remainder of the campaign.

Leigh Centurions head coach Paul Rowley said: "Thomas will add more depth to our squad.

"It also gives him a chance to prove himself, as he has joined us despite better financial offers elsewhere.

"His biggest challenge is to get into our team, and earn a contract for the following year. He is a solid player, a tough competitor and a character that will fit into our squad.

"The environment we have at Leigh will be good for Thomas. It will enable him to work hard and enjoy being a valuable member of our team."