But, if he doesn't trust their opinions, it makes you wonder why he employs them?

The question is, who from outside he could trust more?

An ex coach perhaps?

Ray French?

Brian Smith?

An RFL official?

Until we find out who it is, it seems like a strange thing to do.

C'mon mate..There's a bit of a difference in hiring/trusting someone to look after the academy, work in the community etc than to be consulted when it comes to selecting someone for the most important position at the club. I'm a very good analyst (with a bright future!! he hopes) but would my CE consult me when it comes to hiring my boss. Probably not.

I get the impression that SOC has made an impact in RL circles and we know he has forged some good links with other chairman including Gary Hetherington etc I would expect it to be people of this calibre maybe.

Yes, I never thought of it like that but we are talking about a great deal of experience in the back room staff - men who have been there and done that and have the shirt and badges to prove it - Ste O'Neil has even coached in SL.



I'd be totally at a loss if Gary Hetherington turned out to be on the panel choosing our next coach. Would your company go to a rival company in order to appoint a new CEO?

As you have implied, Mr O'Connor has barely put a foot wrong and has brought a much needed professional approach to the club so far, so perhaps I should trust him on this.

I still find it very strange to invite someone from outside the club to have such an input for such an important job.

I suppose it may become clear when we find out who it is.

Good luck with you future by the way.

Frank Endacott..

hopefully not a rfl official
who knows who them biased people will recommemd

I completely agree about their experience
I don't really think it would be Hertherington either, but the point I was trying to make is that he does seem to be roundly liked and well thought of in RL circles. We will wait and see what this panel consists of if we ever get told, but I am more confident knowing that it isn't just going to be a case of SOC, Alex Bonney and whoever else plumping for whoever has the nicest CV or the best personal statement. I now have more faith that the next coach will have to be someone who has impressed in RL even if it is beginning to smack a little like Coach-Factor.

Cheers by the way.. my post probably implied I was younger than I actually am or have been in this job a little less longer than I have


All the best to you too in whatever it is you do too. From your posts I could sometimes swear you are a barrister or something like that.. (I mean that in the most complimentary sense by the way).

I'm more likely to be found on the other side of the dock.

I work for a company who sends it's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to beg for government money in a private jet!



Can't wait to get out.

Pauls Chippie?

At least you didn't say McDonalds.

I always see Pepe as the wiseman of the board, often says the right things at the right time.

maybe theyre are going to turn us into a myfootballclub type team where the fans can pick players?

Why thank you, Vikingman. That's very nice of you to say so. If I wasn't such a simple and modest man I'd put that in my sig.

What are you after?

Nowt just saying he's a bit of a grandad thats all



A kind of Mr Miyagi

He is the absolute spit of me him.

Now we're talking... Mr Miyagi as Widnes coach!!! awesome.. watched Karate Kid III the other day and forgot how brilliant he is...

If you look like him Pepe then you should be in the dugout at every game!!















[size=75even though we know you dont[/size

In that case I might apply for the job!

I know what would sort the players out...






Wax on... wax off... Wax on... wax off.........

Brilliant idea.

He would have the players doing really abstract and confusing things as training. Heavy shopping, building him a stone wall, floor cleaning, and they'd be all complaining but you know what? Match day it would all click together.

With the Vikings chairman coming out and saying that he wanted to see more entertaining rugby this season could a move for the coach of the most entertaining team outside of SL be on the cards.

You can tell hes pretty clueless. Any team with Thacks and Duffy in is never going to play expansive rugby.

Vic King?!



Eamonn McManus is a good shout. I reckon Kurt may also be consulted if there is anyone down under.

The same team that pulls in gates below 2,000 on a regular basis, the same team that's ground still isnt complete?


Your coach is also a dodgy character we dont want them sort of people in charge of the mighty Vikings.

Is he the one who hits people?

So they say.

You lost me. Your point is?

Sorry misquoted ya.


The latter bit regards the coach was for your goodself.