View source for Widnes Vikings

{{short description|English rugby league club}}
{{redirect|The Chemics||Chemic (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby league club
  | clubname               = Widnes Vikings
  | image                  = [[File:Widnes Vikings logo.svg|150px]]
  | fullname               = Widnes Vikings Rugby League Football Club 
  | nickname               = The Chemics<br />The Vikings
  | short name             = Widnes Vikings
  | founded                = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1875}}
  | colours                = {{leagueicon|widnes|size=18}} White and Black
  | web                    = {{URL|https://widnesvikings.co.uk/|widnesvikings.co.uk}}
  | web2                   = [https://rugby.widnes.tv/ rugby.widnes.tv]
  | ground                 = [[DCBL Stadium]]<br>[[Widnes]], [[Cheshire]]
  | capacity               = 13,350
  | chairman               = Stuart Murphy
  | coach                  = Allan Coleman
  | captain                = [[Jack Owens (rugby league)|Jack Owens]]
  | league                 = [[Championship (rugby league)|Championship]]
  | season                 = [[2025 RFL Championship|2025 season]]
  | position               = 7th
  | current                = 2026 RFL Championship
  | cup1                   = [[Rugby Football League Championship|Championships]]
  | cup1titles             = 3
  | cup1years              = [[1977–78 Northern Rugby Football League season|1978]], [[1987–88 Rugby Football League season|1988]], [[1988–89 Rugby Football League season|1989]]
  | cup2                   = [[Challenge Cup]]s
  | cup2titles             = 7
  | cup2years              = [[1929–30 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1930]], [[1936–37 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1937]], [[1963–64 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1964]], [[1975 Challenge Cup|1975]], [[1978–79 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1979]], [[1981 Challenge Cup|1981]], [[1984 Challenge Cup|1984]]
  | cup4                   = '''Other top-tier honours'''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://widnesvikings.co.uk/about-us/ |title = About Us - Widnes Vikings}}</ref>
  | cup4titles             = [[#Honours|20]]
  | cap                    = 591
  | mostcap                = [[Keith Elwell]]
  | points                 = 2,195
  | mostpoints             = [[Ray Dutton]]
| pattern_la1 = _blackborder
| pattern_b1  = _thin_black_hoops
| pattern_ra1 = _blackborder
| pattern_sh1 =  
| pattern_so1 = _blacktop 
| leftarm1    = EAEAEA
| body1       = EAEAEA
| rightarm1  =  EAEAEA
| shorts1     = 000000
| socks1      = EAEAEA
<!--away-->
| pattern_la2 = _blackborder
| pattern_b2  = 
| pattern_ra2 =  _blackborder
| pattern_sh2 = 
| pattern_so2 = _blacktop
| leftarm2    = 333333
| body2       = 333333  
| rightarm2  = 333333
| shorts2     = 333333
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}}
The '''Widnes Vikings''' are an English [[rugby league]] club in [[Widnes]], [[Cheshire]], which competes in the [[Championship (rugby league)|Championship]]. The club plays home matches at [[DCBL Stadium]]. Founded as Widnes Football Club, they are one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the [[Rugby Football League|Northern Rugby Football Union]] in 1895. Their historic nickname is "The Chemics" after the main industry in Widnes, but now they use their modern nickname, "The Vikings".

The club enjoyed a period of success in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, and were frequently described as "Cup Kings" reaching the [[Challenge Cup]] Final 7 times in 10 years between 1975 and 1984. In 1989, after winning their third [[Rugby League Premiership]], Widnes became the first official [[World Club Challenge|World Club Champions]] by beating the Australian champions [[Canberra Raiders]] 30–18 at [[Old Trafford]]. They have a strong local rivalry with [[Warrington Wolves]].

==History==
===Early years===
[[File:F&A Guardian 1875 extract.jpg|thumb|left|A newspaper extract from the Widnes Guardian in 1875 announcing the formation of Farnworth & Appleton Football Club.|alt=A newspaper extract from the Farnworth & Appleton Guardian in 1875 announcing the formation of Farnworth & Appleton Football Club.]]
The Farnworth & Appleton Cricket Club was formed in 1871 and four years later the members decided to embrace the burgeoning football code. At their fourth annual evening party in the Drill Hall, Widnes, in November 1875, club Chairman Henry Lea "gave a short account of the club since it commenced about four years ago, and indicated that they had now started a football club in connexion (sic) with it, and hoped all would join". The first known game for the new Farnworth and Appleton FC was in Widnes in January 1876 played under rugby rules against Northwich Victoria. A few weeks later a return match was played at Drill Field, Northwich under soccer rules. Vics won both games. These are the only two known fixtures in that truncated first season.

By May 1876 the club had changed its name to Widnes FC and the cricket side of the organisation had disbanded, presumably to concentrate on football activities. By the late 1870s the club was being referred to as "The Chemicals"—subsequently shortened to 'The Chemics'.

The first ground was on Albert Road behind what is now the Premier Wetherspoon's pub and a short spell followed in the Simms Cross area. From around 1878–84 the club were based at the junction of Millfield/Peelhouse Lane, apart from season 1880–81 when they played on the Widnes Cricket Club ground at Lowerhouse Lane. From 1884–95 they rented a field at Lowerhouse Lane before moving to their third separate site on that road in October 1895. The first ever game at what later became [[Halton Stadium|Naughton Park]] was against Liversedge on Saturday 12 October 1895.

In 1895, Widnes were founder members of the [[Rugby Football League|Northern Union]] which broke away from the [[Rugby Football Union]]. Their first game was an away fixture against Runcorn which they lost 15–4. During the early years, the club often had to sell players to balance the books. The strength of junior rugby league in the area meant the club had a steady stream of new players to offset any losses.

In 1902, the Lancashire and Yorkshire leagues were combined to form a second division, Widnes was added to the first division.

In 1914, [[Arthur Johnson (rugby league)|Arthur 'Chick' Johnson]] was capped for the Lions (captained by Harold Wagstaff) in the famous [[Rorke's Drift test]], a match in which they overcame all the odds, and injuries to beat Australia with a depleted side of 10 against 13. He scored an extraordinary try to win the game, dribbling the ball from inside his own half. Widnes closed for the 1915–16 season but recommenced playing in 1916 following the introduction of conscription which meant that would not be accused of keeping men from volunteering for the First World War. Thirteen Widnes players were killed during the conflict.

The club's first ever success came when they won the Lancashire League trophy in the 1919–20 season. However, the 1920s saw the club almost go to the wall. Local rivals Warrington donated their share of the traditional Easter and Christmas [[derby match]]es to keep Widnes afloat in 1927–28.

In 1930, Widnes with 12 local-born players defied the odds to beat [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] 10–3 to bring home the [[Challenge Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/rugby_league/ray_french/2949991.stm |title= Widnes Field 12 Local Players – 1930 Challenge Cup Final |access-date=23 April 2003 |publisher=BBC | date=24 April 2003}}{{dead link|date=September 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The Kingsway housing scheme threatened the loss of Widnes' ground. After several years of fundraising during the [[Great Depression]] of the 1930s, £3,250 was raised to save the ground. This came with a stipulation that the ground could be sold only to the local council at the original price. The newly named [[Halton Stadium|Naughton Park]] was opened in 1932.

A major boost for the club was Widnes' first ever trip to the Challenge Cup final, staged at Wembley. Their opponents were [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]], Saints scored after six minutes to take a 3–0 lead, but Widnes hit back with a penalty try, a further try and a penalty to take a 10–3 half-time lead. A scoreless second half meant Widnes had won the cup.

Widnes became the first club to make two trips to Wembley, with a loss to [[Hunslet F.C. (1883)|Hunslet]] in the 1934 cup final.

In 1935–36, the team came close to being rugby league champions. Having finished third in the table, Widnes beat Liverpool 10–9 but lost to [[Hull F.C.|Hull FC]], in the championship final. A third trip to Wembley came in 1937, with an 18–5 win over [[Keighley Cougars|Keighley]]. The final was dubbed "McCue's Match" as the halfback played an important part in the win.

Widnes dropped out of the wartime Lancashire league in 1940–41 and did not return to league competition until 1945–46.

===Post war===

Tommy McCue led the club to its first ever [[RFL Lancashire Cup|Lancashire Cup]] win, with a 7–3 victory against [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] in 1945.

Back at Wembley in 1950, the team was beaten 19–0 by [[Warrington Wolves|Warrington]]. During this period, the club reverted to selling its players to richer teams.

Local man [[Vince Karalius]] joined Widnes from St. Helens in 1962 and was appointed club captain. In his first season, Widnes finished third in the Championship, which equalled the club's best league placing. In 1962, the league was split into East and West of the Pennines; Widnes and [[Workington Town]] met at [[Central Park (Wigan)|Central Park]], [[Wigan]], in the first final of the [[Rugby league county leagues|Western Division]] Championship on Saturday 10 November 1962. With two minutes remaining, Lowdon dropped a goal to earn Workington a 9–9 draw. Later in the month [[Workington Town]] won the replay 10–0.

The following season saw him lead his team to Wembley, where Widnes were Rugby League [[Challenge Cup]] winners after they defeated [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] 13–5. No team had ever played more games in reaching Wembley than Widnes in 1964. In the first round, two replays were necessary before beating [[Leigh Centurions|Leigh]]. [[Liverpool Stanley|Liverpool City]] were beaten in the second round, then Widnes played [[Swinton Lions|Swinton]] in front of 19,000 at Naughton Park. A 5–5 draw meant another replay, which was a scoreless draw at [[Station Road, Swinton|Station Road]]. A second replay at Wigan was watched by 21,369 with Widnes winning 15–3. The semi-final against [[Castleford Tigers|Castleford]] was drawn 7–7. A crowd of 28,732 spectators watched the replay, which Widnes won. A Wembley crowd of 84,488 saw Widnes win the Challenge Cup for the third time with a 13–5 victory over [[Hull Kingston Rovers]]. This was the Chemics first trophy success in eighteen years.

===The ''"Cup Kings"''===
The 1970s saw the first really outstanding Widnes team. A host of young local players developed into the "Cup Kings", a golden age for the club. The first cup-final was a loss in the 1971–72 [[RFL Lancashire Cup|Lancashire Cup]].

Six years after he retired from playing [[Vince Karalius]] returned to Widnes as coach; appointed in January 1972. The following two seasons, Widnes reached the finals of the [[BBC2 Floodlit Trophy]]. The first success came in the 1975 Lancashire Cup which Widnes won by beating [[Salford Red Devils|Salford]] that season. They also won the 1975 Challenge Cup final 14–7 versus Warrington at Wembley. This was the first time in their history that Widnes had won two trophies in the same season. At his zenith, Karalius, stepped down once from his role as coach. He was replaced in May 1975 by [[Frank Myler]].

Widnes visited Wembley in the following two seasons, losing to [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] and then [[Leeds Rhinos|Leeds]]. However, this was made up for by victories in the [[RFL Lancashire Cup|Lancashire Cup]] and [[John Player Trophy]]. The season after this (1977–78) saw their first league championship. The team went through the season unbeaten at home in the league. There were also trips to the John Player and Premiership finals.

[[Keith Elwell]] began his run of 242 consecutive appearances at Wembley in the [[1976–77 Challenge Cup]] Final, including two as a substitute. He finished his run at [[Hull F.C.]] on 26 September 1982. This record for consecutive appearances for one club stands to this day.

[[Doug Laughton]] took over the job of team coach when Frank Myler retired from the position in 1978. The 1978–79 season saw no less than four cups come to Widnes—the BBC2 floodlit trophy, Lancashire Cup, Premiership and a win at Wembley over [[Wakefield Trinity]] in front of a crowd of 93,218. Widnes also defeated the [[Ashes series (rugby league)|Ashes]]-winning [[1978 Kangaroo tour]]ists.

The 1979–80 season saw Widnes beat [[Bradford Bulls|Bradford Northern]] in the Premiership final, but come second to them in the league and John Player Trophy. The Lancashire Cup was won for the fifth time in the 1970s.

The 1980s started with a Wembley win over [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] in 1980–81. The season after this, Widnes again returned to Wembley, to face [[Hull F.C.]] Widnes led 14–6 with less than 20 minutes to go, but the game finished 14–14 and Hull won the replay 18–9 at [[Elland Road]], [[Leeds United FC|Leeds]]. Widnes kept their record of winning a cup every season by defeating Hull 23–8 in the Premiership final. The next season saw Hull again beaten by Widnes in the Premiership final.

[[Vince Karalius]] returned to the club in March 1983 as co-coach with Harry Dawson. Dawson quit as coach in March 1984 with Karalius continuing as team manager. Karalius led a strong Widnes side to the finals of the Lancashire Cup and John Player Trophy and another Wembley victory appearance 19–6 against [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]].

===The ''"Greatest Team"''===
[[Doug Laughton]] returned to the club in January 1986 and began a series of signings of players from other league clubs and from rugby union. One such player was [[Martin Offiah]], who in 1987–88 scored a club record 42 tries. The team went on to win the championship that season, clinching it with a 50-point win away over [[Hunslet R.L.F.C.|Hunslet]]. Widnes then beat St. Helens 38–14 in the Premiership Final at [[Old Trafford]], [[Manchester]] a game in which [[Alan Tait]] made his début.

The 1988–89 season saw the club sign rugby union star [[Jonathan Davies (rugby, born 1962)|Jonathan Davies]] from [[Llanelli RFC|Llanelli]] for £225,000. Widnes and Wigan battled each other for the silverware. Widnes beat Wigan in the Charity Shield but lost to them in the Regal Trophy Final. The Championship came down to the last game of the season, a capacity crowd (officially 16,000) at Naughton Park saw Widnes beat Wigan 32–18 to win the title for the second year running. The Premiership was won again, with over 40,000 at Old Trafford to see Widnes beat Hull 18–10. [[Martin Offiah]] scored another 58 tries for Widnes, bringing up 100 tries for Widnes in just 76 games.

The 1989–90 season saw Widnes play at [[Anfield]], [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] beating Wigan 27–22. Widnes beat St Esteve 60-6 to become European Club Champions to set up the first official World Club Challenge match against Australia's Grand Final winners. [[Canberra Raiders|Canberra]] took a 12–0 lead but were then swept aside as Widnes stormed home 30–18 to become the [[1989 World Club Challenge|first official World Club Champions]].

Widnes continued to be competitive winning the Lancashire Cup against Salford (1991) and the Regal Trophy against Leeds (1992). Widnes were also runners up in the League Championship and Premiership (1991) and the Challenge Cup (1993). After losing 3 Challenge Cup semifinals in 1987, 1989 and 1991, this belated trip to Wembley in 1993 came too late to avert financial problems. To balance the books, over 25 first team players were sold to other teams. This resulted in the club sinking to 12th in the division one table, avoiding relegation.

Tony Myler became coach of Widnes in May 1994. In August 1995 the club decided to bring back [[Doug Laughton]] for a third stint as team manager which resulted in Myler's sacking as coach.<ref>{{cite news | title = Widnes sack coach Tony Myler | work = The Independent | date = 12 August 1995 | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/widnes-sack-coach-tony-myler-1595927.html | access-date = 20 June 2009}}</ref>

===Summer era===
In 1996, the first tier of British rugby league clubs played the inaugural [[Super League]] season and changed from a winter to a summer season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/rugbys-pounds-87m-deal-gives-murdoch-transfer-veto-1526582.html |title=Rugby's pounds 87m deal gives Murdoch transfer veto |access-date=9 December 2009 |publisher=Runcorn and Widnes World| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101101120631/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/rugbys-pounds-87m-deal-gives-murdoch-transfer-veto-1526582.html | archive-date= 1 November 2010 |url-status=live | location=London | first=Dave | last=Hadfield | date=20 December 1995}}</ref> When the RFL announced that a new 12-team Super League was to be formed a chaotic period ensued in which the club was out, then in, then out, then in merged with local rivals Warrington and then finally out again as they finished below the cut-off point of 10th in the existing top flight.

The club adopted the name ''Widnes Vikings'' on 27 November 1996; the club had originally intended to adopt the moniker 'Warriors' but were asked to reconsider by the RFL, as Whitehaven were planning to adopt this name also. Further player and coaching departures ensued and the club struggled in the new first division, the club's first ever finish in the relegation zone followed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Walker |first=Nick |date=8 September 1997 |title=Saints stars return |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/916955921/ |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |page=36 {{subscription required|via=newspapers.com}}}}</ref> They spent the next five years in the [[Northern Ford Premiership]].

[[Graeme West]] took over as coach after [[Doug Laughton]]'s third stint, his reign lasted from May 1997 until August 1998. During this time, the playing arena was rebuilt and the old stands, terraces and facilities were demolished to be replaced with a state-of-the-art all-seater stadium and was also renamed from Naughton Park to the Halton Community Stadium. West was later replaced as coach by [[Colin Whitfield]].

In 1999 Widnes narrowly missed out on a place in the [[Northern Ford Premiership]] Grand Final. The 2000 season was one of transition with head coach Colin Whitfield being sacked and replaced by [[David Hulme (rugby league)|David Hulme]]. A record attendance for the newly rebuilt stadium was set at 6,644 for a Northern Ford Premiership game against [[Leigh Centurions|Leigh]] on [[Boxing Day]] 2000. Widnes finished off a poor season in 8th place in the NFP.

Under new coach [[Neil Kelly]], Widnes won promotion to [[Super League]] in 2001 after beating [[Oldham R.L.F.C.|Oldham]] 24–12 in the [[Northern Ford Premiership]] Grand Final.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/3009731/Cantillon-sees-Widnes-to-brink-of-elite.html |title= Cantillon sees Widnes to brink of elite |access-date=28 July 2001 |work=The Daily Telegraph| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121113062445/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/3009731/Cantillon-sees-Widnes-to-brink-of-elite.html | archive-date= 13 November 2012 |url-status=live | location=London | first=Michael | last=Crossley | date=28 July 2001}}</ref>

Their début season in the [[Super League]] was in 2002, and the Vikings surprised everyone by narrowly missing out on a play-off place, and finishing seventh.

The following season saw them consolidate with a 9th place finish, and in 2004 they avoided relegation on the final day of the season, with [[Castleford Tigers|Castleford's]] defeat by [[Wakefield Trinity]] saving Widnes' fate. [[Stuart Spruce]] was caretaker manager.

[[Frank Endacott]] arrived at Widnes as coach in 2005, but could not improve on the previous seasons. With two teams being relegated in 2005, due to the inclusion of [[Catalans Dragons]] in Superleague from 2006 onwards, Widnes were relegated back down to the second tier of the English game (LHF National League 1).

Widnes parted company with coach Frank Endacott, and new coach [[Steve McCormack]] rebuilt the squad, which notably included Australian full back [[David Peachey]], who kept his word to join the club, despite its relegation.

[[Stephen Vaughan, Sr.|Stephen Vaughan]] completed a take-over of Widnes in 2006<ref>[http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/chester-city-fc/chester-city-fc-news/tm_objectid=16885355&method=full&siteid=50020&headline=vaughan-in-new-pledge-name_page.html Vaughan in new pledge] ''Chester Chronicle''. 31–05–06. Retrieved 25–02–10</ref> and the club made it to the LHF National League Grand Final, but were beaten 29–16 by [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] at Warrington's [[Halliwell Jones Stadium]].

Stephen Vaughan quit as chairman of Widnes at the start of 2007 and stepped down from the club's board of directors,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/6529459.stm|title= Vaughan quits as Widnes chairman|access-date=5 April 2007 |publisher=BBC | date=5 April 2007}}</ref> placing the club's season into a 'boom or bust' scenario. Widnes won the 2007 [[Northern Rail Cup]] Final with a 54–6 victory over [[Whitehaven R.L.F.C.|Whitehaven]] at [[Bloomfield Road|Bloomfield Road stadium]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/6899771.stm|title= Widnes seal Northern Rail Cup win|access-date=15 July 2007 |publisher=BBC | date=15 July 2007}}</ref> and went on to reach the National League Grand Final at the end of the season. They were beaten 42–10 by [[Castleford Tigers|Castleford]] at [[Headingley Rugby Stadium|Headingley]] and in the days that followed, Widnes had no option but to place themselves into voluntary administration.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/1747024.Vikings_go_into_administration/|title=Vikings go into administration |date=9 October 2007 |access-date=9 October 2007 |publisher=Runcorn and Widnes World| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722215131/http://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/1747024.Vikings_go_into_administration/ |url-status=live| archive-date= 22 July 2011 }}</ref>

===New beginning===
On 2 November 2007, Widnes were purchased by Steve O'Connor,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/vikings/vikingsnews/1817794.Fans_key_to_success/|title=Fans key to success |date=8 November 2007 |access-date=8 November 2007 |publisher=Runcorn and Widnes World| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722215230/http://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/vikings/vikingsnews/1817794.Fans_key_to_success/ |url-status=live| archive-date= 22 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/widnes/2007/11/02/new-widnes-owner-steve-o-connor-i-will-bring-back-glory-days-100252-20050370/ |title= New Widnes owner Steve O'Connor: I will bring back glory days |access-date=2 November 2007 |work=Liverpool Echo|date= 2 November 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015121607/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/widnes/2007/11/02/new-widnes-owner-steve-o-connor-i-will-bring-back-glory-days-100252-20050370/ |url-status=live | archive-date= 15 October 2008 }}</ref> a local business man who had just sold his haulage firm to the Stobart Group. [[Steve McCormack]] was re-appointed as Head Coach,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/widnes/2007/11/16/widnes-vikings-owner-steve-o-connor-i-had-to-rescue-hometown-club-100252-20116720/ |title= Widnes Vikings owner Steve O'Connor: I had to rescue hometown club |access-date=16 November 2007 |work=Liverpool Echo|date= 16 November 2007 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20070704091142/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/widnes/2007/11/16/widnes-vikings-owner-steve-o-connor-i-had-to-rescue-hometown-club-100252-20116720/ |url-status=live | archive-date= 4 July 2007 }}</ref> and the club were re-admitted into National League 1. A nine-point deduction for going into administration was successfully neutralised through winning their first three games, and Widnes qualified for the [[RFL Championship|National League One]] Playoffs by finishing in sixth place. A 32–16 defeat by third-placed [[Halifax R.L.F.C.|Halifax]] however brought the nostalgic 2008 campaign to an end.

Off the field, Widnes had applied for a [[Super League]] licence for the 2009 season along with 18 other clubs. However, the club was not granted a licence to play in the [[Super League]], with the recent financial history of the club coming under close scrutiny.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7519326.stm|title=It was a difficult decision – RFL chief|access-date=22 July 2008 |publisher=BBC | date=22 July 2008}}</ref>

In 2009 Widnes parted company with [[Steve McCormack]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7893097.stm|title=McCormack leaves Widnes Vikings|access-date=16 February 2009 |publisher=BBC | date=16 February 2009}}</ref> and for a period [[John Stankevitch]] became caretaker manager. [[Paul Cullen (rugby league)|Paul Cullen]] was unveiled as McCormack's eventual successor<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/widnes-vikings/widnes-vikings-news/2009/03/09/paul-cullen-appointed-head-coach-by-widnes-vikings-55368-23102897/ |title=Paul Cullen appointed head coach by Widnes Vikings |access-date=9 March 2009 |publisher=Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727022300/http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/widnes-vikings/widnes-vikings-news/2009/03/09/paul-cullen-appointed-head-coach-by-widnes-vikings-55368-23102897/ |url-status=dead | archive-date= 27 July 2011 }}</ref> and managed the club to victory in the seasons [[Northern Rail Cup]] Final, beating a strong [[Barrow Raiders]] side 34–18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/community-sport/2009/07/13/widnes-34-barrow-18-widnes-closer-to-super-league-after-final-victory-99623-24137114/ |title=Sport: Latest Football, Boxing, Rugby League and Cricket News – Liverpool Echo |publisher=Liverpooldailypost.co.uk |access-date=11 July 2014}}</ref>

In the following season, Widnes again reached the [[Northern Rail Cup]] Final but were beaten 25–24 by [[Batley Bulldogs]]. The club also reached the 2010 [[Co-operative Championship]] playoffs but were knocked out in the opening round by [[Barrow Raiders]].

===Return to Super League===
In 2011 Widnes were granted a [[Super League]] licence for the 2012–14 seasons and [[Denis Betts]] was confirmed as the man who would coach the club. A flourish of new signings were announced and the pioneering 'Viking Stronghold' initiative moved from strength to strength. Widnes also installed a fourth generation artificial pitch (or ipitch as it became known) during the off season, making them the first team in modern day rugby league to not play on a traditional grass pitch. Widnes' tenancy in the [[Co-operative Championship]] culminated in September 2011 with a fifth place league finish, and a first round playoff defeat of 36–20 against [[Sheffield Eagles|Sheffield]] at [[Bramall Lane]].

February 2012 saw Widnes' re-emergence into the top tier of rugby league, and they claimed their first two points against [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] in a 37–36 win. The club managed to prove a number of critics wrong by gaining 12 points in total by the end of their first season back, but this was not enough to prevent the club from finishing at the bottom of the [[Super League]] table.

The 2013 season saw a marked improvement on the field by Widnes, with the team earning a total of 22 league points and finishing 10th in the [[Super League]] table.

The 2014 season proved to be the most successful season of the franchise period, with the club finishing eighth in the [[Super League]] table on 27 points and subsequently qualifying for the end of season play-offs for the first time in their history. A 22–19 away defeat by the [[Warrington Wolves]] brought the curtain down on a season that can only be seen as a success for the Vikings, with a [[Challenge Cup]] Semi-Final appearance against the [[Castleford Tigers|Castleford]] being the key highlight. However, it was also during the 2014 season that the club received the news that "legendary supporter"<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.widnesvikings.co.uk/article/39706/pat-price.stm|title=Pat Price 1937–2014|access-date=12 July 2014 |publisher=Widnes Vikings | date=12 July 2014 }}</ref> Pat Price had died and condolences for 'the first lady of Rugby League' were received from clubs and supporters throughout the sport.

The RFL overhauled [[Super League]] for the 2015 season, scrapping the Franchise System<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/28464023|title=RFL confirms game's new structure |work=BBC Sport }}</ref> and re-adopted promotion & relegation. Widnes finished in 9th position on 19 points, and then went on to consolidate their [[Super League]] status in the Middle 8's.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-league/news/article/480/9927945/super-8s-qualifiers-championship-shield-fixtures-schedule-results|title=Super 8s & play-off results|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217144727/http://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-league/news/article/480/9927945/super-8s-qualifiers-championship-shield-fixtures-schedule-results|archive-date=17 December 2015}}</ref>

The 2016 season saw the Vikings put together a number of early exciting performances, including defeating the previous season's champions Leeds 56–12. This placed Widnes top of the Super League table, heading into the Easter fixtures. Before the start of the 2017, Widnes sold their inspirational captain and best player to their bitter rivals Warrington. This move was completed whilst Brown was still in contract and despite warnings from fans, this proved the beginning of the end for Widnes as a potential mid table team.

In 2017, the team finished bottom but avoided relegation by beating the [[Catalans Dragons]] and the [[Million Pound Game]].
The lack of ambition of the club was now available for everybody to see with Chairman Steven O’Connor washing his hands of the club and moving to Australia in order to pursue further business projects. This was done without O’Connor fulfilling his promise to the club and town that the club would not be entering Super League to “Make up the numbers”. The current board headed by James Rule failed to heed the mistakes of the 2017 season and further recruitment to the squad was extremely poor. This lack of ambition and value for money resulted in fans walking away from the club in their droves.

===Relegation and financial problems===
The 2018 season continued as the previous one with few quality signings and a team no longer good enough to compete in Super League. The club lost nineteen games in a row, which led to coach Denis Betts being dismissed with Francis Cummins taking interim charge; however, he could not prevent the club from falling into the Championship. On 1 February 2019, CEO James Rule resigned because the club faced significant financial challenges as a result of relegation. Speculation about the future of the club began to mount following a significant silence by the club's then chairman, Steve O’Connor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/sport/17403827.james-rule-gives-an-update-as-he-steps-down-at-widnes-vikings/|title=James Rule gives an update as he steps down at Widnes Vikings|website=Runcorn and Widnes World|date=February 2019 }}</ref>

The club went into [[Administration (law)|administration]] on 22 February 2019 after a take-over bid failed; as a result of this development the [[Rugby Football League]] imposed a 12-point penalty on the club and their upcoming game against Sheffield was postponed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/47323878 |title=Widnes Vikings go into administration and are deducted 12 points by RFL |work=BBC Sport|date=22 February 2019 |access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref> Following a fundraising campaign called "Vikings Quids In", supported by fans and other rugby league clubs, over £100,000 was raised. On 1 March 2019, the RFL accepted a takeover by a seven-strong consortium registered as Widnes Rugby League Club Limited, however the 12 point deduction remained in place leaving the club on minus 8 points. An investigation has begun to establish where large amounts of sponsorship and other funds have gone whilst the previous board were in charge. This may result in criminal proceedings against those responsible if any wrongdoing is
discovered.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/47422551 |title=Widnes Vikings: RFL accepts new takeover deal but still imposes 12-point penalty |work=BBC Sport|date=1 March 2019 |access-date=3 March 2019}}</ref>

===Vikings Resurgence===
In March 2019, the club narrowly escaped liquidation, thanks in large part to crowdfunding pages setup by the remaining Widnes Vikings fans.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/fundraising-widnes-vikings-approaches-50000-15881346 |title=Widnes Vikings: Fundraising for Widnes Vikings approaches £50,000 in bid to stave off liquidation threat |work=Cheshire Live|date= 25 February 2019 |access-date=3 March 2019}}</ref> Newly appointed Head Coach Kieron Purtill began leading the club in a moderately successful streak of wins, culminating in reaching the finals of the [[2019 RFL 1895 Cup]] against [[Sheffield Eagles]]. In the 2022 RFL Championship season, Widnes finished seventh on the table and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/widnes-vikings-secure-new-deal-for-former-st-helens-sheffield-eagles-and-batley-bulldogs-hooker-matty-fozard-60716/|title=Widnes Vikings secure new deal for former St Helens, Sheffield Eagles and Batley Bulldogs hooker Matty Fozard|website=www.seriousaboutrl.com|date=19 October 2022 }}</ref>

==Grounds==
{{main|Halton Stadium}}
The club's home ground is [[Halton Stadium]]. The club had a number of grounds before settling at Lowerhouse Lane in 1895. The death of the club's secretary, Tom Naughton in 1932, led to the ground on Lowerhouse Lane being renamed Naughton Park as a gesture of the team's appreciation. Naughton Park became one of the best known [[Rugby league playing field|Rugby League grounds]] in the country due to the success of the 'Chemics' in the 1970s, and 1980s. In the 1990s Halton Council in partnership with the Widnes agreed to build a new stadium on the existing site, which would provide a multi-purpose complex including a social club, conference facilities, recreational facilities and catering/function facilities and would be the new home venue for Widnes RLFC. The new stadium was officially opened on 2 November 1997 following the completion of phase 1 of a multimillion-pound redevelopment and was renamed the Halton Community Stadium. On 29 January 1999 Halton Borough Council took over responsibility for the entire stadium, both financially and managerially. This was necessary as the joint venture companies arrangements were not performing as expected. The stadium reached completion with the opening of the East Stand in September 2005 and is an all-seater stadium which has a capacity of 13,500. It has also had the honour to have staged national finals and international fixtures. In August 2011, the stadium turf was removed and replaced with a third generation artificial pitch (or ipitch as it became known), in order to improve overall match performance and maximize the use of the club's facilities. The stadium's name has changed a number of times due to sponsorship purposes, with the latest name being the DCBL Stadium.

==Club jerseys==
{{unreferenced|section|date=October 2025}}
* Since promotion to Super League in 2002

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
!width=5%|Year
!width=20%|Home Design
!width=20%|Away Design
!width=10%|Kit Manufacturer
!width=10%|Main Jersey Sponsor
|-
|2002
|| White with Black Trim
|| Blue, White & Red
|rowspan=6|[[Kooga]]
|Peel
|-
|2003
|| White with Black Trim
|| Black with White Trim
|rowspan=3|[[Finnforest (company)|Finnforest]]
|-
|2004
|| White with Black sleeve & Red Trim
|| Black with Purple Trim
|-
|2005
|| White with Black & Red Trim
|| Grey
|-
|2006
|| White with Black Trim
|| Black with White Trim
|rowspan=2|Liverpool Capital of Culture 08
|-
|2007
|| White with Black Trim
|| Red with Black Trim
|-
|2008
|| Black with White Trim
|| White with Red Trim
|[[Nike, Inc.|Nike]]
|rowspan=6|[[Stobart Group|Stobart]]
|-
|2009
|| White with Black Trim
|| Fluorescent Yellow with Black Trim
|rowspan=10|[[O'Neills]]
|-
|2010
|| White with Black Trim and Red Stripe
|| Gold with Black Trim
|-
|2011
|| White 
|| Grey with Orange Trim
|-
|2012
|| White with Black V & Black Trim 
|| Red with White Trim
|-
|2013
|| '''Kit 1:''' White with Black V '''Kit 2:''' Black with White V
|| Maltacourt Purple, Orange & Yellow
|-
|2014
|| Black and White Hoops
|| Light Blue with Dark Blue sash
|| Maltacourt
|-
|2015
|| White with thin, black & Green "V" 
|| Black with pink hoops
|| The Parcel Centre (Home) / Electrod UK (Away)
|-
|2016
|| Black with Grey tribal designs
|| White
|| Select Security
|-
|2017
|| White with Black from the Chest to neck
|| Green, Grey, Black, Red stripes
|| PlayCasinoGames.Com
|-
|2018
|| Black shoulders fade into Black & White stripes
|| Light Blue shoulders fade into White
|rowspan=2|Beat the scrum
|-
|2019
|| All Black with White Collar
|| Canberra Raiders Green 
|[[XBlades]]
|-
|2020
|| Black and White Stripes
|| Red 
| rowspan="4" |Oxen
|Bristol Street Motors- Nissan Widnes
|-
|2021
|| Black and White Stripes
|| Red 
|Bristol Street Motors- Nissan Widnes
|-
|2022
|| Mainly black with white and grey flashes at bottom
|| Turquoise
|Bristol Street Motors- Nissan Widnes
|-
|2023
|| Mainly white with thin red and black partial strips
|| Black with multi-coloured sleeves
|Bristol Street Motors- Nissan Widnes
|-
|2024
|| TBC
|| TBC
|Ellgren
|DCBL
|}

===Historic Jerseys===
Prior to the over-commercialization of the sport and the changing of kit design on a yearly basis, Widnes traditionally wore a black and white hooped jersey with white shorts. However, throughout their most dominant period of the 1970s, the club actually wore an all white jersey with 3/4 length sleeves and black shorts. It is quite common for fans to desire the club to return to one of these two jerseys. In addition, historically the club played in red when away from home.

==2026 squad==
{{unreferenced|section|date=October 2025}}

{{Rugby league squad
|squadname=2026 Widnes Vikings Squad
|BC1=white
|FC1=black
|BC2=black
|FC2=white
|source=
|date=
|list1a={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jordan Abdull]]|pos=SO|pos2=SH|pos3=LF}} 
|list1b={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Liam Bent]]|pos=LF}}
|list1c={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jack Bibby]]|pos=PR}}
|list1d={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|WAL}} [[Mike Butt]]|pos=WG|pos2=FB}}
|list1e={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[James Chapelhow|Jay Chapelhow]]|pos=PR|}} 
|list1f={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Nathan Connell]]|pos=WG|pos2=FB|}} 
|list1g={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Joe Edge]]|pos=CE}}
|list1h={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Matty Fleming]]|pos=CE|pos2=FB|pos3=WG}}
|list1i={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|WAL}} [[Matty Fozard]]|pos=HK}}

|list2a={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Tom Gilmore (rugby league)|Thomas Gilmore]]|pos=SH|pos2=SO}}
|list2b={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Nick Gregson]]|pos=SR}}
|list2c={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lewis Hall (rugby league)|Lewis Hall]]|pos=LF}}
|list2d={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Toby Hughes (rugby league)|Toby Hughes]]|pos=SH|pos2=SO}}
|list2e={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ryan Ince]]|pos=WG}}
|list2f={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jordan Johnstone]]|pos=HK|pos2=SH}}
|list2g={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny Langtree]]|pos=SR|pos2=LF|pos3=PR}}
|list2h={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Adam Lawton]] |pos=PR|pos2=SR}}
|list2i={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Joe Lyons (rugby league)|Joe Lyons]]|pos=SH|pos2=SO}}

|list3a={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|AUS}} [[Morgan McWhirter]] |pos=PR|pos2=LF|pos3=SR}}
|list3b={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|Italy}} [[Jake Maizen]] |pos=CE|pos2=FB|pos3=WG}}
|list3c={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Daniel Murray (rugby league)|Daniel Murray]]|pos=PR}}
|list3d={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jack Owens (rugby league)|Jack Owens]]|pos=FB|pos2=WG|}} (c)
|list3e={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Max Roberts]]|pos=CE}}
|list3f={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Frank Sergent]]|pos=WG}}
|list3g={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Kieran Taylor (rugby league)|Kieran Taylor]] |pos=CE|pos2=SR}}
|list3h={{Rugby league squad player|no=|name={{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sam Wilde]] |pos=SR|pos2=LF}}

|coach=Allan Coleman
|assistant=Eddie Kilgannon
|assistant2=Tom Wood
}}

==2026 transfers==
{{unreferenced|section|date=October 2025}}
===Gains===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Player !! From !! Contract !! Date
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jordan Abdull]]
|Unattached
|1 year
|24 September 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[James Chapelhow|Jay Chapelhow]]
|{{Leagueicon|Oldham|12}} [[Oldham R.L.F.C.|Oldham]]
|2 years
|1 October 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} Kieran Taylor
|Rowspan=3| {{Leagueicon|North Wales Crusaders|12}} [[North Wales Crusaders]]
|Rowspan=2| 2 years
|15 October 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sam Wilde]]
|28 October 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} Toby Hughes
|1 year
|14 November 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jack Bibby]]
|{{Leagueicon|Huddersfield|12}} [[Huddersfield Giants]]
|2 years
|21 October 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Nathan Connell]]
|{{Leagueicon|salford city reds|12}} [[Salford Red Devils]]
|1 year
|31 October 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Frank Sergent]]
|{{Leagueicon|Warrington|12}} [[Warrington Wolves]]
|1 year
|4 November 2025
|}

===Losses===
{| class="wikitable"
!Player
!To
!Contract
!Date
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Declan Patton]]
|Rowspan=2| {{leagueicon|North Wales Crusaders|12}} [[North Wales Crusaders]]
|Rowspan=2| 1 year
|15 September 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Gavin Bennion]]
|16 September 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}} Brett Bailey
|
|
|15 September 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Ben Condon]]
|{{leagueicon|Catalans|12}} [[Catalans Dragons]]
| 2 years
|14 October 2025
|}

===Retired===
{| class="wikitable"
!Player
!Date
|-
|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Rhodri Lloyd]]
|Rowspan=2| 15 September 2025
|-
|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Rhys Williams (rugby league)|Rhys Williams]]
|}

==Players==
{{unreferenced|section|date=October 2025}}
{{main|List of Widnes Vikings players}}

===Club captains===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
!width=2%|Year
!width=1%|
!width=5%|Captain
!width=1%|
!width=5%|Vice Captain
!width=10%|League
|-
|2005
|rowspan=2|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|rowspan=2|[[Terry O'Connor (rugby league)|Terry O'Connor]]
||{{flagicon|AUS}}
||[[Shane Millard]]
|[[Super League X]]
|-
|2006
||{{flagicon|ENG}}
||[[Mark Smith (rugby league)|Mark Smith]]
|[[RFL Championship|National League One]]
|-
|2007
|rowspan=4|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|rowspan=4|[[Mark Smith (rugby league)|Mark Smith]]
|rowspan=2|{{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}}
|rowspan=2|[[Bob Beswick]]
|[[RFL Championship|National League One]]
|-
|2008
|[[Co-operative Championship]]
|-
|2009
|align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}}
||[[Jim Gannon (rugby league)|Jim Gannon]]
|[[Co-operative Championship]]
|-
|2010
|align=center|{{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}}
||[[David Allen (rugby league)|Dave Allen]]
|[[Co-operative Championship]]
|-
|2011
|align=center|{{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}}
||[[Simon Finnigan]]
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
||[[Chaz I'Anson]]
|[[Co-operative Championship]]
|-
|2012
|rowspan=3|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|rowspan=3|[[Jon Clarke (rugby league)|Jon Clarke]]
||{{flagicon|ENG}}
||[[Shaun Briscoe]]
|[[Super League XVII]]
|-
|2013
|rowspan=2|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|rowspan=2|[[Kevin Brown (English rugby league)|Kevin Brown]]
|[[Super League XVIII]]
|-
|2014
|[[Super League XIX]]
|-
|2015
|rowspan=2|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|rowspan=2|[[Kevin Brown (English rugby league)|Kevin Brown]]
|rowspan=2|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|rowspan=2|[[Joe Mellor]]
|[[Super League XX]]
|-
|2016
|[[Super League XIX]]
|-
|2017
|rowspan=2|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|rowspan=2|[[Joe Mellor]]
|rowspan=2|{{flagicon|AUS}}
|rowspan=2|[[Rhys Hanbury]]
|[[Super League XXII]]
|-
|2018
|[[Super League XXIII]]
|-
|2019
|rowspan=1|{{flagicon|NZL}}
|rowspan=1|[[Hep Cahill]]
|rowspan=1|{{flagicon|NZL}}
|rowspan=1|[[Anthony Gelling]]
|[[RFL Championship|Championship]]
|-
|2020
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG|rugby league}}
||[[Jack Owens (rugby league)|Jack Owens]]
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
||Unknown
|[[RFL Championship|Championship]]
|-
|2021
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG|rugby league}}
||[[Jack Owens (rugby league)|Jack Owens]]
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
||Unknown
|[[RFL Championship|Championship]]
|-
|2022
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG|rugby league}}
||[[Jack Owens (rugby league)|Jack Owens]]
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
||[[Danny Craven (rugby league)|Danny Craven]]
|[[RFL Championship|Championship]]
|-
|2023
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG|rugby league}}
||[[Jack Owens (rugby league)|Jack Owens]]
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
||[[Danny Craven (rugby league)|Danny Craven]]
|[[RFL Championship|Championship]]
|-
|2024
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG|rugby league}}
||[[Jack Owens (rugby league)|Jack Owens]]
|align=center|{{flagicon|WAL}}
||[[Rhodri Lloyd]]
|[[RFL Championship|Championship]]
|}

==Coaches==
{{main|List of Widnes Vikings coaches}}

===Coaching register – since 1972===
{{div col|colwidth=28em|small=yes}}
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Vince Karalius''' (Jan 1972 – May 1975)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Frank Myler''' (May 1975 – May 1978)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Doug Laughton''' (May 1978 – Mar 1983)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Harry Dawson & Colin Tyrer''' (Mar 1983 – May 1983)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Vince Karalius & Harry Dawson'''(May 1983 – May 1984)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Eric Hughes''' (Jun 1984 – Jan 1986)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Doug Laughton''' (Jan 1986 – May 1991)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Frank Myler''' (Jun 1991 – May 1992)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Phil Larder''' (May 1992 – May 1994)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Tony Myler''' (May 1994 – Aug 1995)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Doug Laughton''' (Aug 1995 – Aug 1996)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Bernard Long''' (Aug 1996 – May 1997)
*{{flagicon|NZL}} '''Graeme West''' (May 1997 – Aug 1998)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Colin Whitfield''' (Aug 1998 – Mar 2000)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''David Hulme''' (Mar 2000 – Mar 2001)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Neil Kelly''' (Mar 2001 – Jul 2004)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Stuart Spruce''' (Jul 2004 – Oct 2004)
*{{flagicon|NZL}} '''Frank Endacott''' (Oct 2004 – Oct 2005)
*{{flagicon|SCO}} '''Steve McCormack''' (Oct 2005 – Feb 2009)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''John Stankevitch''' (Feb 2009 – Mar 2009)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Paul Cullen''' (Mar 2009 – Nov 2010)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Denis Betts''' (Nov 2010 – May 2018)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Francis Cummins''' (May 2018 – Oct 2018)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Keiron Purtill''' (Nov 2018 – Oct 2019)
*{{flagicon|AUS}} '''Tim Sheens''' (Oct 2019 – Oct 2020)
*{{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} '''Simon Finnigan''' (Nov 2020 – Apr 2022)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Ryan O'Brien''' (interim) (Apr 2022 – Jun 2022)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''John Kear''' (Jul 2022 - June 2023)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Neil Belshaw''' (interim) (June 2023 - Sep 2023)
*{{flagicon|ENG}} '''Allan Coleman''' (Oct 2023–Present)
{{div col end}}

==Seasons==
===Super League era===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
!rowspan="2" scope="col"|Season
! colspan="10" scope="col" |League
!rowspan="2" scope="col"|[[Super League play-offs|Play-offs]]
!rowspan="2" scope="col"|[[Challenge Cup]]
!colspan="2" rowspan="2" scope="col"|Other competitions
!scope="col"|Name
!scope="col"|Tries
!scope="col"|Name
!scope="col"|Points
|-
!scope="col"|Division
!scope="col"|P
!scope="col"|W
!scope="col"|D
!scope="col"|L
!scope="col"|F
!scope="col"|A
!PD
!scope="col"|Pts
!scope="col"|Pos
!colspan="2" scope="col"|Top try scorer
!colspan="2" scope="col"|Top point scorer
|-
!scope="row"|[[1996 Widnes Vikings season|1996]]
|[[1996 RFL Division One|Division One]]
|20||9||1||10||413||447
| -34||19
|7th
|
|SF
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[1997 Widnes Vikings season|1997]]
|[[1997 RFL Division One|Division One]]
|20||6||0||14||282||579
| -297||12
|10th
|
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[1998 Widnes Vikings season|1998]]
|[[1998 RFL Division One|Division One]]
|30||9||1||20||601||862
| -261||19
|9th
|
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[1999 Widnes Vikings season|1999]]
|[[1999 Northern Ford Premiership|Northern Ford Premiership]]
|28||21||0||7||792||415
| +377||42
|3rd
|Lost in Preliminary Final
|QF
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2000 Widnes Vikings season|2000]]
|[[2000 Northern Ford Premiership|Northern Ford Premiership]]
|28||17||0||11||698||483
| +215||34
|8th
|
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2001 Widnes Vikings season|2001]]
|[[2001 Northern Ford Premiership|Northern Ford Premiership]]
|28||21||1||6||961||377
| +584||43
|style="background:#ddffdd;"|2nd
|Won in Final
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2002 Widnes Vikings season|2002]]
|[[Super League VII|Super League]]
|28||14||1||13||590||716
| -126||29
|7th
|
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2003 Widnes Vikings season|2003]]
|[[Super League VIII|Super League]]
|28||12||1||15||640||727
| -87||25
|9th
|
|QF
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2004 Widnes Vikings season|2004]]
|[[Super League IX|Super League]]
|28||7||0||21||466||850
| -384||14
|11th
|
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2005 Widnes Vikings season|2005]]
|[[Super League X|Super League]]
|28||6||1||21||598||1048
| -450||13
|style="background:#ffdddd;"|11th
|
|QF
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2006 Widnes Vikings season|2006]]
|[[2006 Rugby League National Leagues#National League One|National League One]]
|18||14||0||4||729||449
| +280||28
|2nd
|Lost in Final
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2007 Widnes Vikings season|2007]]
|[[2007 National League One|National League One]]
|18||16||0||2||740||220
| +520||50
|2nd
|Lost in Final
|R5
|[[Championship Cup]] ||style="background-color:#FE2"|'''W'''
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2008 Widnes Vikings season|2008]]
|[[2008 National League One|National League One]]
|18||10||2||6||453||410
| +43||30
|6th
|
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2009 Widnes Vikings season|2009]]
|[[2009 RFL Championship|Championship]]
|20||11||0||9||649||438
| +211||39
|4th
|Lost in Semi Final
|R4
|[[Championship Cup]] ||style="background-color:#FE2"|'''W'''
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2010 Widnes Vikings season|2010]]
|[[2010 RFL Championship|Championship]]
|20||11||0||9||619||488
| +131||38
|5th
|Lost in Elimination Playoffs
|R5
|[[Championship Cup]] ||style="background-color:#DDD"|'''RU'''
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2011 Widnes Vikings season|2011]]
|[[2011 RFL Championship|Championship]]
|20||11||1||8||555||532
| +23||38
|style="background:#ddffdd;"|5th{{efn|Promoted through licensing}}
|Lost in Elimination Playoffs
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2012 Widnes Vikings season|2012]]
|[[Super League XVII|Super League]]
|27||6||0||21||532||1082
| -550||12
|14th
|
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2013 Widnes Vikings season|2013]]
|[[Super League XVIII|Super League]]
|27||10||2||15||695||841
| -146||22
|10th
|
|QF
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2014 Widnes Vikings season|2014]]
|[[Super League XIX|Super League]]
|27||13||1||13||611||725
| -114||27
|8th
|Lost in Elimination Playoffs
|SF
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|[[2015 Widnes Vikings season|2015]]
|[[Super League XX|Super League]]
|23||9||1||13||518||565
| -47||19
|9th
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|QF
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|-
|The Qualifiers
|7||5||0||2||232||70
| +162||10
|2nd
|-
!scope="row" |[[2016 Widnes Vikings season|2016]]
|[[Super League XXI|Super League]]
|30||12||0||18||603||643
| -40||24
|7th
|
|QF
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|[[2017 Widnes Vikings season|2017]]
|[[Super League XXII|Super League]]
|23||5||1||17||359||632
| -273||11
|12th
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|R6
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|-
|The Qualifiers
|7||5||0||2||188||96
| +92||10
|2nd
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|[[2018 Widnes Vikings season|2018]]
|[[Super League XXIII|Super League]] 
|23||3||0||20||387||653
| -266||6
|12th
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|R6
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|-
|The Qualifiers
|7||1||0||6||92||173
| -81||2
|style="background:#ffdddd;"|7th
|-
!scope="row"|[[2019 Widnes Vikings season|2019]]
|[[2019 RFL Championship|Championship]] 
|27||14||0||13||646||586
| +60||16
|11th
|
|R6
|[[RFL 1895 Cup|1895 Cup]] ||style="background-color:#DDD"|[[2019 RFL 1895 Cup|RU]]
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2020 Widnes Vikings season|2020]]
|style="background:#C0C0C0;"|[[2020 RFL Championship|Championship]]{{efn|The [[2020 RFL Championship|2020 Championship]] was abandoned due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom]]. Statistics shown are those at time of abandonment and are not official.}}
|style="background:#C0C0C0;"|5||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|3||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|0||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|3||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|128||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|93
|style="background:#C0C0C0;"|+35|| style="background:#C0C0C0;" |6
|style="background:#C0C0C0;"|5th
|
|R6
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2021 Widnes Vikings season|2021]]
|[[2021 RFL Championship|Championship]]
|21||9||1||11||494||534||-40||19
|8th
|
|R6{{efn|Officially round 3 due to the competitions temporary restructure in 2021.}} 
|[[RFL 1895 Cup|1895 Cup]] ||SF
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2022 Widnes Vikings season|2022]]
|[[2022 RFL Championship|Championship]]
|27||12||0||15||567||679||-112||24
|8th
|
|R4 
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2023 Widnes Vikings season|2023]]
|[[2023 RFL Championship|Championship]]
|27||13||0||14||619||654||-35||26
|9th
|
|R4 
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2024 Widnes Vikings season|2024]]
|[[2024 RFL Championship|Championship]]
|26||14||1||11||551||475||+76||29
|5th
|Lost in Elimination play-off
|R5
|[[RFL 1895 Cup|1895 Cup]] ||GS
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|[[2025 Widnes Vikings season|2025]]
|[[2025 RFL Championship|Championship]]
|24||11||2||11||454||475||−21||24
|7th
|
|R4
|[[RFL 1895 Cup|1895 Cup]] ||QF
|
|
|
|
|}

==Honours==
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2017}}

===League===
*[[Rugby Football League Championship First Division|First Division]] / [[Super League]]
::'''Winners (3)''': 1977–78, 1987–88, 1988–89
::[[Rugby League Premiership|Premiership]]
:::'''Winners (6)''': 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90
*[[RFL Lancashire League]]
::'''Winners (1)''': 1919–20

===Cups===
*[[Challenge Cup]]
::'''Winners (7)''': 1929–30, 1936–37, 1963–64, 1974–75, 1978–79, 1980–81, 1983–84
*[[League Cup (rugby league)|League Cup]]
::'''Winners (3)''': 1975–76, 1978–79, 1991–92
*[[Championship Cup]]
::'''Winners (2)''': 2007, 2009
*[[Rugby League Charity Shield (Great Britain)|Charity Shield]]
::'''Winners (3)''': 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91
*[[RFL Lancashire Cup]]
::'''Winners (7)''': 1945–46, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1990–91
*[[BBC2 Floodlit Trophy]]
::'''Winners (1)''': 1978–79

===International===
*[[World Club Challenge]]
::'''Winners (1)''': 1989

*[[European Championship]]
::'''Winners (1)''': 1989

==Records==
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2017}}

===Player records===

* Most tries in a match: 7 by [[Phil Cantillon]] vs [[York Wasps]], 18 February 2001
* Fastest Hat trick in a match: 10 minutes by Danny Hulme vs [[Halifax R.L.F.C.|Halifax]]. 21 April 2011,
* Most goals in a match: 14 by [[Mark Hewitt (rugby league)|Mark Hewitt]] vs [[Oldham R.L.F.C.]], 25 July 1999, [[Tim Hartley]] vs Saddleworth Rangers, 7 March 2009
* Most points in a match: 38 by [[Gavin Dodd]] vs [[Doncaster R.L.F.C.|Doncaster Lakers]], 10 June 2007
* Most tries in a season: 58 by [[Martin Offiah]], 1988–89
* Most goals in a season: 161 by [[Mick Nanyn]], 2007
* Most points in a season: 434 by [[Mick Nanyn]], 2007
* Most career tries: 234 by [[Mal Aspey]], 1964–80
* Most career goals: 1083 by [[Ray Dutton]] 1966–78
* Most career points: 2195 by [[Ray Dutton]] 1966–78
* Most career appearances: 587+4 by [[Keith Elwell]] 1970–86

===100+ tries===

*234 [[Mal Aspey]] 1964–65 – 1979–80
*199 [[Eric Hughes (rugby, born 1950)|Eric Hughes]] [Centre] 1969–70 – 1983–84
*181 [[Martin Offiah]] 1987–88 – 1990–91
*161 [[David Hulme (rugby league)|David Hulme]] 1980–81 – 1996 & 2000 – 2001
*151 [[Stuart Wright (rugby league)|Stuart Wright]] 1976–77 – 1986–87
*144 [[Frank Myler]] 1955–56 – 1967–68
*120 [[John Devereux (rugby)|John Devereux]] 1989–90 – 1997
*119 [[Andy Currier]] 1983–84 – 1992–93 & 1997
*114 [[Phil Cantillon]] 1999 – 2003
*112 [[Dennis O'Neill (rugby league)|Dennis O'Neill]] 1966–67 – 1978–79
*111 [[Johnny Gaydon]] 1961–62 – 1971–72
*110 [[William Thompson (rugby league)|William Thompson]] 1956–57 – 1964–65
*108 Derek `Mick` George 1971–72 – 1981–82
*107 [[Darren Wright (rugby league)|Darren Wright]] 1985–86 – 1996
*106 [[Tommy McCue]] 1931–32 – 1948–49
*103 [[John Basnett]] 1981–82 – 1986–87
*102 [[William Reid (rugby league)|William Reid]] 1909–10 – 1926–27
*101 [[Jimmy Hoey]] 1922–23 – 1934–35

===150+ goals===

*1072 [[Ray Dutton]] 1965–66 – 1977–78
*708 [[Mick Burke (rugby league)|Mick Burke]] 1978–79 – 1986–87
*434 [[Jonathan Davies (rugby, born 1962)|Jonathan Davies]] 1988–89 – 1992–93
*395 [[Jimmy Hoey]] 1922–23 – 1934–35
*389 [[Robert Randall (rugby league)|Robert Randall]] 1960–61 – 1964–65
*383 [[Harry Dawson (rugby league)|Harry Dawson]] 1951–52 – 1962–63
*295 [[Mick Nanyn]] 2006 – 2007
*243 [[John Myler]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyleague.org/features/content.php?feat_id=276&featcat_id=32 |title=Rugby League World Cup 2017 – RLWC.com &#124; Facebook |publisher=Rugbyleague.org |access-date=11 July 2014 |archive-date=2 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002125855/http://www.rugbyleague.org/features/content.php?feat_id=276&featcat_id=32 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 1976–77 – 1988–89
*213 [[John Sale (rugby league)|John Sale]] 1951–52 – 1957–58
*209 [[Robin Whitfield]] 1961–62 – 1967–68
*207 [[Arthur Pimblett]] 1957–58 – 1961–62
*202 [[Mark Hewitt (rugby league)|Mark Hewitt]] 1998 – 1999
*201 [[Andy Currier]] 1983–84 – 1992–93 & 1997
*195 [[Peter Topping (rugby league)|Peter Topping]] 1927–28 – 1939–40
*167 [[Colin Hutton]] 1945–46 – 1950–51
*162 [[Harry Taylor (rugby league)|Harry Taylor]] 1908–09 – 1921–22

===Team records===
* Biggest victory: 90–0 vs [[Coventry Bears]] home, 21 April 2018
* Worst defeat: 76–6 vs [[Catalans Dragons]] away, 31 March 2012
* Highest attendance (Naughton Park): 24,205 vs [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]], 16 February 1961
* Highest attendance (all-time): 94,249 vs [[Warrington Wolves|Warrington]], 6 May 1950 ([[Challenge Cup Final]]) at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]]
* Highest attendance vs a national touring team: 14,666 vs [[Australian Kangaroos|Australia]], 18 November [[1990 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|1990 Kangaroo Tour]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{portal|Cheshire}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://rugby.widnes.tv Widnes RLFC History Site]
* [http://ga.oh-servers.com/forum/ Widnes Vikings Supporters Trust forum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306095829/http://ga.oh-servers.com/forum/ |date=6 March 2008 }}
* [http://forums.rlfans.com/viewforum.php?f=35 Widnes Vikings forum on rlfans.com]
* [http://www.rugbyleaguechampionships.co.uk/ Championships website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212180447/http://www.rugbyleaguechampionships.co.uk/ |date=12 February 2019 }}
* [http://www.rugbyleague.org/index.php?showforum=32/ Widnes Vikings Fans Forums – RugbyLeague.org]
* [http://www.stobartstadiumhalton.org.uk/ Stobart Stadium Halton] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720221651/http://www.stobartstadiumhalton.org.uk/ |date=20 July 2011 }}

{{Widnes Vikings}}
{{Super League Europe}}
{{NRFL}}
{{RFL Championship}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Widnes Vikings}}
[[Category:Widnes Vikings| ]]
[[Category:Rugby clubs established in 1875]]
[[Category:Super League teams]]
[[Category:1875 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Founder members of the Northern Rugby Football Union]]
[[Category:Rugby league teams in England]]
[[Category:Rugby league teams in Cheshire]]
[[Category:Viking Age in popular culture]]