Vikings release trio (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Vikings release trio

8:51am Monday 19th September 2011 in Vikings news

Widnes Vikings is releasing a further 3 members of its 2011 first team squad.

They are Anthony Thackeray, who had previously been told and sent on loan to York, Steve Tyrer and James Coyle.

Having made his debut for the club in 2009, Anthony Thackeray went on to become a crowd favourite at the Stobart Stadium Halton, pulling on a Widnes shirt on 70 occasions, securing 48 tries and adding 1 conversion in the process. Prior to joining York City Knights on loan earlier this season, Anthony's previous two prolific years at the Vikings culminated in the Rugby League World ‘Championship Player of the Year' award in 2010.

Steve Tyrer began his third stint at the club in 2011 having had two previous loan periods, the first of which came in 2008. During his 38 appearances in Widnes colours, Steve registered an impressive 30 tries and slotted over 147 goals. Tyrer also collected the 2nd place accolade at the recent ‘Player of the Year' awards night, organised by Widnes Supporters Club.

Completing the trio of released players is James Coyle. In his first spell at the Vikings in 2006, James made 31 appearances and scored 5 tries. Following a brief return to his original club Wigan, he spent successive years at Oldham and then Barrow before rejoining the Vikings midway through the 2011 campaign, making a further 5 appearances.

Commenting on this latest announcement Director of Rugby, Paul Cullen added; "On behalf of everybody connected at Widnes Vikings, I'd like to thank all three players for their contributions to the cause during their time at the club. We wish them the best of luck for their respective futures."