Widnes confirm they will not be making Super League bid

Drew Darbyshire

Widnes chief executive Phil Finney has confirmed the club will not be making a bid to become Super League’s 12th club for 2021.

Finney appeared on BBC Radio Merseyside on Thursday night as part of their Try Time show, where he confirmed the Championship club will not making a bid to return to the top flight in 2021.

A club statement read: “Phil confirmed that the timing isn’t right for the Vikings to make a return to the top flight, as the club look to continue their rebuild as a new business.

“The club in its new ownership is yet to have a full season under its belt, due to administration and the cancellation of the 2020 season due to coronavirus.

“Phil emphasised that the club want to return to the top flight ‘the right way’ by becoming sustainable rather than jeopardising the future of Widnes Vikings by making the step up before we are ready.”

Super League’s 12th spot is currently vacant following Toronto Wolfpack’s failed bid to be re-admitted in to the top flight in 2021.

Championship clubs Leigh, York, London Broncos, Toulouse, Featherstone and Bradford have all expressed an interest in taking Super League’s 12th spot.

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