Veivers: Injuries cost us

Former Workington Town coach Phil Veivers has opened up about the club’s relegation this season and his own future.

Workington will play in League 1 in 2017 after going down.

Veviers believes injuries to his squad played a major role in the drop.

“We started with seven on the sideline at the start of the season,” Veivers told Love Rugby League.

“We seemed to have a number of players out all year but we had a small squad. I did ask for 30 players but the finance wasn’t there.

“There wasn’t a week that went by where we didn’t have five players on the sideline.

“We also had two players who retired halfway through the season which didn’t help matters.”

Veivers also admitted the 25% pay cut made match preparation quite difficult.

“The pay cut did have a significant impact on how we trained during the season,” he said.

“Before the Super 8s we trained for 25 minutes.”

Veivers has left his position as head coach of Workington.

Looking ahead to the future, the Australian explained he might take a job away from rugby league but that it would be hard to turn his back on a sport which he has been associated with for so long.

Veivers is also considering a move back to his native Australia.

“I have had a few people knocking away from the game,” he said.

“I am open to all offers when it comes to continuing as a rugby league coach.

“It is hard to turn your back on coaching. I have played for over 18 years and coached for quite a few years as well.

“I would probably consider going back to Australia if it was financially viable.”