Gaskell and Koe-Love impress on return from injury (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Gaskell and Koe-Love impress on return from injury

2:27pm Thursday 11th June 2009

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VIKINGS boss Paul Cullen is delighted to have right-sided partnership Dean Gaskell and Toa Kohe-Love back on board after both impressed in the Northern Rail Cup win.

The duo had both been out since May 1, when Gaskell suffered a double cheekbone fracture and Kohe-Love suffered a re-occurrence of a knee problem.

But both were back with a vengeance last week with wingman Gaskell racing 90 metres for a try and experienced centre Kohe-Love grabbing a second half hat-trick.

Cullen said: “I was delighted with the way Dean Gaskell and Toa Kohe-Love came through at the weekend.

“If you are out for five and six weeks then sometimes it takes time to settle those players back in.

“But they trained very hard behind the scenes and are very professional. It was great to have them back. We look far more confident in defence with those two on that right edge and their attacking skills are there for all to see.”

Widnes entertain Featherstone on Saturday who are just below them in fourth place in the Championship.

A victory is crucial for Vikings to get some momentum back into their league campaign after losing four of their last five matches.

Cullen said: “Featherstone could be boosted by the return of Iestyn Harris, who has been a fantastic player throughout his entire career. Whether he plays or not, Rovers are going to be difficult opponents.

“When we control the ball we look very good, but when we are reckless we look very ordinary. That is the big part of our preparation.”

The versatile John Duffy is still a doubt and scrum half James Webster is a concern after picking up a knock in the win over York.

Last Friday the club announced the departure of assistant coach John Stankevitch.

In a statement Chief Executive Alex Bonney said: “Recently we have been reorganising throughout the club and the position of assistant coach was deemed to be a part time role.

“This reduced hours role was offered to John who then wrote to the club stating that he formally rejected the offer and consequently the decision was taken to part company.”

Stankevitch’s departure is one of a number of changes occurring at Widnes, which has also included the arrival of Mick Cassidy as conditioner.

Cullen added: “The economic climate is not good anywhere let alone at Widnes RLFC.

“There has had to be changes and that has been obvious since my first week here. The club has been over indulgent and could not carry on the way it has done.

“I have been considering changes to the coaching staff from day one because it obviously wasn’t working.

“If it was then I would not be here.

“The conditioning staff have changed and that is a vital cog in any professional rugby league team.

“Mick Cassidy will add an awful lot to us.

“It is part of that major overhaul that has been long needed, but unfortunately there are victims of it.”

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