Vikings players sign dual registration forms with Workington (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Vikings players sign dual registration forms with Workington

10:05am Friday 25th January 2013 in Vikings news

WIDNES Vikings have announced that the majority of its first team squad have been dual registered with our partner-club, Workington Town.

This means, up to five players on the fringe of proceedings or in need of match fitness, could play for the Derwent Park outfit at any given time.

Back in November, the Vikings agreed a partnership with Workington Town with the link-up offering massive benefits to both clubs on and off the pitch.

Determined to evolve this relationship, today’s announcement offers further proof of the growing bond between both parties, as Vikings Head Coach Denis Betts confirms; “Like ourselves, Workington have huge ambitions and following their promotion they are hell-bent on making massive strides and continually moving forward.

“Although they weren’t at full strength, they offered us a really good test in our recent pre-season game and with the addition of some of our first team players, this will surely give them an extra boost throughout the Championship season.

“Having spoken to our players about their recovery from non-selection or injury, playing for Workington is seen as a big step back into the Widnes first team. The players believe that this is something they will want and need, so it will puts both clubs in a far healthier position and means that we will both benefitting from our first teamer’s ambitions to be the best player they can be.”

Joint Workington Town Head Coach Martin Oglanby went on to say; "It is absolutely fantastic news that we will have Super League quality players at our disposal as part of our partnership agreement and it shows the commitment by Widnes to the arrangement.

“With a number of our first choice players currently unavailable through injury and suspension, it’s great to know that have access to Super League quality players to help compliment our squad.”

Workington Town Director Malcolm Allison concluded: "From the initial preliminary discussions we had with Denis Betts and James Rule about the forming of a partnership, they have been absolutely superb and extremely professional and today's news reaffirms their commitment to working with us.

" I cannot speak highly enough of the Widnes club since we went into the partnership arrangement and I know both clubs are looking forward to continuing to work together, both on and off the field."