Great, that'll be one less cry baby in the stands.
Don't forget to close your message board account down before the door hits you on the arse.
Don't want you coming back whinging. Even more.
Give the guy chance.
I mean at least he is an ex-player which counts for something in my eyes, not always guaranteed success but let's face it, it's a sensible appointment probably not costing the earth and a young, hungry coach who knows he needs to succeed at Widnes to move on in his coaching career, whether that be up with us or someone else....
Any coach we were going to get realistically would be a calculated risk, but I would rather take that on a coach on the way up than the way down.
Good luck to him and hopefully two good years at least to come.
We have to back the coach and give him time to bring in players and put his mark on the team. Given that he's a former player is an advantage in my opinion and his statement shows a lot of passion for the club, more than has been demonstrated by coaches of the recent past.
Not a big name but who were we realistically going to get when we're a part-time outfit and the 15th or 16th biggest job in the game currently. The general consensus was that we were punching above our weight with Sheens even if his more recent career was relatively mediocre in comparison to past glories.
In terms of experience, who would you want who's actually any good? I don't rate Richard Agar yet he was appointed to the Leeds job.
A few got excited about Sean Long but apart from being more decorated as a player has he actually achieved more than Finnigan as a coach (apart from working with top tier teams as an assistant)? Many probably would have approved of James Ford of York but how many would have wanted him when York appointed him? Likewise as has been said, Watson had no track record and has done brilliantly with Salford.
Many mentioned Marshall and Henderson but we don't know if either applied as they're probably sitting pretty at top SL sides and don't see Head Coach at Widnes as any improvement on what they've previously done. It's important to remember whilst both did well, neither actually won anything.
There were calls harking back for Kelly and the ubiquitous (possibly tongue in cheek) postabout Goulding. Not that he would have left Bradford, but I certainly wouldn't be excited by John Kear and his old school five drives and a kick tactics which are years out of date if that's how you evaluate "experience".
We have to believe that the board felt Finnigan was the standout candidate of those that applied and was the best fit to take us forward. As has been said, we should be targeting a top 5 finish next year but realistically we're another 2 or 3 years off seriously challenging for promotion (if Toulouse go up as the 12th side, that potentially improves our prospects somewhat). We need to build slowly and improve season on season with a coach that wants to complete a multi-season project. As fans we need to back the coach and give him time rather than write him off on name alone before he's had a single training session!
As with any new coach we wish him well even if he is'nt the coach 'you' would have chosen.Guess what, we don't decide, the club does.Fans were gushing over Sheens and look how that went.A sensible, low key appointment in my opinion, no need for splashing out big money.
He has a very different coaching CV than Tim Sheens but, as has been rightly said, he must be given a chance to demonstrate his abilities and tactics.
I wish him well and although promotion to SL is at least a couple of years away, am really hoping that next season we will be able to see some competitive and exciting games.
Sorry but for me this is a backward step showing no ambition at all. We advertise all over the World even stating that the salary will be given upon experience AND telling us we had over 22 applications for the post from ALL OVER the World and true to form picked probably the cheapest. As I said, for me lacks ambition but lets see when the season starts.
Guess what, if an applicant asked what the budget was for signings what would you tell him?
At least Finnigan knows what he has taken on and there will be plenty who will tell him what to do. Time for fans to be realistic and honest with themselves. The Sky money is reducing not increasing and we have to budget ready for that or we will be in trouble again.
If we tripled our VIQI support maybe we could be brave, but we haven't and probably wont. The country's economy will be near collapse, never mind Widnes RLFC and that will hit the game and our club so just tread softly.
Any updates as to why Sheens left?
As others have said it was unlikely we would prise assistant coaches away from SL clubs as probably on good money there & why drop a level? Finnegan is an ex player who knows the club & he could turn out to be a very astute signing. If we can afford them he may bring 1 or 2 useful players from Toronto. Time will tell on how he goes but I trust our current directors to make the right decision & wish Simon well in his new role. Welcome home Simon!
Announced on Widnes web site - 2 year deal. The news release indicates that "his ambition, drive and desire to become Head Coach of Widnes Vikings" set him apart from other applicants and his appointment was unanimous. Apparently, he still lives in Widnes. It doesn't mention whether his appointment is full-time or part-time.
For me a decent appointment and look forward to seeing what new additions he brings to the squad and him leading Widnes to a successful season in 2021. I certainly see him as a better option to some of the names mentioned on here.
As a player, he always gave 100 percent as I recall. His work ethic will be a good start for the squad, and if that can be effectively combined with a sprinkling of quality (which we certainly do have), this could surprise a few.
As many have already said on this forum, we have still got to be realistic about expectations over his two year deal, but if we see improvement year on year we may be in a position to move to the next level. He may even get an extension to this contract....for me anything additional is a bonus.
As a supporter of this great club I wish him, the club and the supporters the best of luck!
ETR
Let's give him a chance heads we win tails we lose
At least the appointment was quick. Let's give Finnigan a chance to prove himself. Even if it could be a long wait!
Welcome back to Widnes, Simon!
You gave your all as a player, now you have 2 years to prove yourself as a coach. You have the makings of a top of the table squad to start with,
You can do it,
I'm just glad we have a coach on board and we can move forward welcome back to widnes Vikings Simon 😎👍