Good signing for Widnes. Solid and dependable. Next year is going to be great. Good to see the Barrow fans a bit upset as all they seem to do is say they should be in SL or go gobbing off or trolling on here or on the Fax Forum.

"I have ambitions of returning to Super League and I think that by rejoining the Vikings I have a great chance of fulfilling them in 2012."

Is it just me or does every player who's signed for us in the last few years say words to this effect? Do they give 'em a card to read from or summat? I mean it's nice to hear but it's getting a bit Stepford now!

I personally think he should go and report it to the cry police.

The vast majority of the current Widnes squad won't be playing in SL in 2012. The first wave of signings for SL will happen in 2010/11 and then the rest prior to the start of the 2012 season. A couple in the squad now may make it as bench warmers. SOC's not going to pump all that money in just to see his club messing about down the bottom with Salford & Celtic.

Thats were the youth structure comes in, the below should be primed for Super League if and when it happens.


Paddy Flynn
Anthony Thackery
Ben Kavanagh
Danny Hulme
Anthony Mullally
Dave Allen
Thomas Coyle
Dave Houghton
Shayne Grady
Dean Thompson
Steve Pickersgill (will be 26)

Im not saying all will make it but we have some cracking youngsters in that lot.

Whats the odds that Barrow replace him with Fletcher?

Good luck to Dave at Widnes.

Bit disappointed he'd didn't sign after agreeing terms and stating he would but its up to him to do what he believes is best for himself. Can't really complain if a player wants to play for his home town club, particularly with the travelling involved playing for us.

Have to say the Widnes team looks a lot better than last year, particularly with the proposed dual reg signings.

Funny.. that's what the Oldham fans were saying about Barrow earlier on this year!!!





Unfortunately they are a bit rattled at the moment and deservedly so. It's not been good news for them since McCormack signed.

He was training with Leigh, last season, and Barrow nipped in and signed him! The reason he said he signed for Barrow was, that they had offered him a better TWO YEAR contract than Leigh. Doesn't time fly?!

I was certainly under the impression Dave Allen had signed a 2yr deal. Obviously not. I wonder if there is more to this than meets the eye ?

Perhaps Big Des should take a leaf out of our book and 'quietly' go about his business, maybe he won't end up with egg on his face and leave his fans up in arms..



Makes you wonder how many more of the announced 're-signings' have actually put pen to paper?

I think one of the directors on your board has cleared things up. It looks like he had indeed signed a two year deal but had approached the club about being released a few weeks back so I don't think there is anything to worry about from your end Gary. He also states that they did this with the intention of signing an adequate replacement. No mention of a transfer fee being paid which is the only thing I would see as being out of place.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Richard Fletcher announced up there shortly as he is currently without a club. A terrific player if you can keep him on the pitch. There have also been a few rumours about Mike Ostick?? A good young forward but these were only very slight rumours.

Rattled about what exactly ?
Your not even on the radar .

I thought Ostick had signed for Salford.

I am wondering if Dave Allens change of heart has anything to do with our new coach ? He played under him in 2006. I am simply clutching at straws with that one though. I am more of the opinion that not having to travel 4 hours is a big reason for signing for Widnes. I thought Dave did a fantastic job for us and I think he will be a great signing for WIdnes. What stinks a bit is the fact he gave his word and has gone back on that. I won't resort to slagging him off because whats the point. Great player but a man of his word he ain't unfortunatley.

You also forgot to mention the pride at being given the chance to return to his hometown club and the better prospects he has for playing SL in the near future with us

But I did say A REASON not THE REASON



I will add to your post that I think he has unfinished business at Widnes aswell.

Of course, Gary, he 'gave his word' to Leigh too! He was actually training with Leigh, in the week leading up to our 'game' at Barrow. It came as something of a surprise to see him playing against us that evening! Perhaps that just proves what you are saying about him?

Dave's a Widnes lad all the way, when his ban finished he was hoping his ex club come in for him but we didnt. He then signed for Oldham and it was clear to see that the talent was still very much booming. McCormack didnt want him back however and thus he signed other players in Allens position. Cullen came in and actually had extensive talks with Dave about coming to us this season but he couldnt sign him at the time as our cap was full. Dave then moved on to Leigh with the promise of a very nice 2 year deal as he wasnt 100% sure the Widnes deal would come off. In between Des from Barrow promised a few envelopes and the rest is history as soon as we renewed our interest.


Dave is back home and raring to go, a big off season will see him the best second rower in the division next year.

You have a remarkable insight VM.

I know his sister mate.

I thought that the director had said Allen had took the contract with him but it was unsigned. It appears Barrow were under the impression that it would be signed, but it never was so thats the reason why no fee was involved. I think some Barrow fans were a bit pi$$ed because the club had announced that he had already signed - which was untrue.

Correct with that one. I wonder which other players have signed contracts 'with their word' I can't understand why players have been announced as signed when they clearly haven't.

Yep, you are quite correct V4E.. it does say that he left with the contract in his hand but it looks like he never signed it.

I misread it.

Once he found out who his coach would be a barrow it was a no brainer