www.widnesvikings.co.uk/article.php?id=3118 Welcome to the club Denis, lets give the guy a chance folks whilst it may raise a few eyebrows ill be giving him my full backing. I wonder who will fall into the number 2 role, possibly Demetriou as a player and assistant coach, everybody needs a voice on the pitch.

www.widnesvikings.co.uk/article.php?id=3118 Welcome to the club Denis, lets give the guy a chance folks whilst it may raise a few eyebrows ill be giving him my full backing. I wonder who will fall into the number 2 role, possibly Demetriou as a player and assistant coach, everybody needs a voice on the pitch.

Confirmed. www.widnesvikings.co.uk/article.php?id=3118

Confirmed. www.widnesvikings.co.uk/article.php?id=3118

It's a baffling choice,going with someone out of the game for so long, but all the best to Dennis Betts.Congratulations and welcome to Widnes.

I'll echo all this. It's a surprising choice but now is the time to get behind him and give him a chance.

He wouldn't have been my choice, and I think it does smack a bit of the Wigan old boys network but, now that it is a [ifait accompli[/i, we must trust that the club knows what it is doing and get behind the new coach 100%.

Welcome to the Widnes Vikings, Denis.

Welcome to the club denis.

Hope you have Billy Slater on speed dial

I'd settle for Joel Monaghan at this stage, the guy is having a ruff time in Australia.

I certainly hope not.You would like to think our new coach was the best option available and nothing to do with old acquaintances currently at the club.I would hope that jobs for the boys was a thing of the past at the new look,modern day Widnes Vikings.

This sucks. One of the main reasons that Widnes will get a SL place is because of the youth structure Stuart Wilkinson has put in place and now he has resigned just before they get the licence...please.

Stuart has put the hours in at Widnes, Under 18's Champions, and now has to leave because a "name" has come in after 4 years in Rugby Union. I have nothing against Dennis but why do we keep doing this to solid rugby league people, especially those that have done so much good for the game.

Widnes have known for a long time that they were coming into SL this time round and this is merely a case of appoint a high profile name and the fans will be happy. I wonder how the academy players feel about this.

Wilkinson has come in set a system in place and left at both Wigan & Leeds it's his thing! If he becomes say RFL youth performance director can't really complain?

Hey it's not a huge appointment (was it ever really going to be?) but it's a young ambitious British RL man and coach who is a big name and yes he's been in Union but may have picked up some things?

Let's be positive... Welcome Mr Betts!



P.s. What number for Vaunikolo?

I'll be the first to suggest we set up a fund in order to purchase Denis sufficient protection from the abuse he'll no doubt suffer upon our first defeat, first poor performance and our first failed signing of the season.

www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news/500 ... SCULTHORPE Ex Betts player!

www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news/500 ... SCULTHORPE Ex Betts player!

Biscuit bones, no thanks.

Typical Trust in Widnes reaction to the rumours a few weeks back, I just hope he is given a chance. I definately think the new regime can work.

Problem on the trust is people (naturally) build expectations up very highly for players & coaches but for some reason seem to feel personally offended when it isn't the case and have a hard gist of gaeging the future and reality together.

FFS a high % moaned about signing Finnigan!

Firstly... welcome to the club Denis...
Here's hoping to a long and successful tenure.
This club desperately needs some stability now otherwise we will always find ourselves in the same position we always do at the start of the season. He was undoubtedly a great player and I'm sure a lot of the skills he coached in union will be transferable. I'm looking forward to the first couple of games to see what sort of a side and a style he will employ.

Secondly, I'm glad that PC has remained at the club. There is no doubting that the guy speaks well about the game and so I see this as a bit of coup to retain him in this role.

Finally, I do think that we have quite a decent set up now... Betts, Cullen, Cassidy and TOC. Fantastic experience there although I do wonder what TOC's position will be now.

Interesting post from MT on the Trust site

Question answered.... TOC is sporting director. Apologies.

Will be interesting to note the difference between director of 'rugby' & director of 'sport'! Unless we are going to turn into a Batcelona type institution?

The WIGNES connection gets stronger ,DW sponsering you lot to , next to comehome games in PIELAND





.j20 AND VIKINGMAN in cherry and white hoops.

Dont forget chaps, Betts coached at Wigan from 2003 to 2006, at u'18's level, u'21's level, and a year in SL, working almost as a no.1 for the majority because of Gregs illness, Wigan got to the Challenge cup final that year...a clash of personalities with Millward was the only reason he left.

I also have it on very good authority that he has been working with Michael Maguire in preparation fo rhis return to RL.

Age and a wealth of experience in the game, plus a big name both here and abroad due to his time with Auckland can only mean good things imo for Widnes.

A coup in my opinion as I did eexpect to see him get the Quins jobs.

how long will he last not long methinks

Do like the way everyone but the Leythers can see at least a few positives in the appointment. Aww I worry for them when we are gone.

I wont.

Me to dalto, I'll be rooting for fax in 2015.