THE collapse of Widnes Vikings, who were placed into administration yesterday and face the threat of liquidation, has provoked some strong feelings.

However, the club issued a statement yesterday stating that board members had been threatened.

And Peter O'Hara from the administrators yesterday said former CEO James Rule has also received death threats.

Vikings stated: "Regrettably members of the Board have received sinister threats, as well as threats to their property and families.

"These threats will not be tolerated and have been passed on to the Police for review."

At yesterday's press conference O'Hara said Vikings were now "a rudderless ship" with Rule no longer wishing to have anything to do with it.

"He (Rule) is at the end of his tether and has had to get police protection after threats on his life and his family, and his health has suffered.

"He has assisted us in preparing the statutory declaration but he really does not want anything to do with it.

"So really the club is without leadership and needs somebody to get hold of it sooner, rather than later," O'Hara said.