Return of the Vikings - From administration to rugby league's top tier. Widnes Rugby League Club

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The story of Widnes RLFC one of rugby's most famous clubs and how it survived administration and returned to Super League. Backed by the club and written by the official club statistician this will appeal to fans of the club and the wider rugby world.

Having sunk into Administration in 2007 former World Club Champions Widnes Vikings, under the stewardship of new owner Steve O’Connor, rose phoenix-like to eventually re-gain their place in the top tier of the sport in 2012

Along the way they suffered rejection by the Rugby Football League in the sport’s inaugural Licensing process in 2008, only to be successful three years later.

Mike Healing's informative account of how the club turned that failure into success takes an in-depth look at the many changes taking place within the club as it was re-structured for success in addition to the new Licensing process.

While the main focus is on the behind-the-scenes developments, the highs and lows of the on-field action, including the return to Super League in 2012, also receive detailed attention

About the Author

Mike Healing, a native of Watford, moved to Manchester in 1975 during his career with Shell UK Oil. Now retired he is settled in Sale with his Widnes-born wife, Lynn.

A life-long football fan he was introduced to rugby league through his wife's Widnes connections, and was instantly hooked on the game, soon becoming a season-ticket holder and sponsor.

As the official Widnes Vikings club statistician, contributor to the match-day programme and member of the Supporters Club Committee, he now follows up 'Dreams to Reality' with this recent history of the former World Club Champions.