Paul Clough to join Widnes for 2021

Widnes have signed prop Paul Clough on a one-year deal for the 2021 season.

The 32-year-old has made more than 300 appearances for St Helens, Widnes (loan), Bradford and Huddersfield.

Clough said: “I’m excited to have signed at the Vikings. The squad that is being put together is coming along nicely. Widnes is a club with such great history and we’re all looking to get this club back to Super League where they belong.

“Having spoken to Tim (Sheens, Widnes coach) he seems like a really good bloke and he mapped out where he wants to take the club, along with his plans for me personally which really appealed to me in that sense. I had a few bits of interest from elsewhere but after one chat with Tim, who was pretty clear and precise with what he wanted and the vision he has, it was an easy decision in the end.

“It’s always nice to have players with experience within the squad, with the likes of Matty Smith who is a Lance Todd Trophy winner and has won the Grand Final and Challenge Cup. Logan (Tomkins) is a Challenge Cup winner and Matt (Cook), Lee (Jewitt) and Steve Tyrer all arrive with plenty of experience. I will be trying to help everyone within the squad, like I always have throughout my career, but at the same time I will be looking to those guys to help me.

“There was a real good set of lads at Widnes during my loan spell, and some of them are still there now. The fans are very passionate and have supported them through thick and thin, while the facilities are up there with some Super League clubs, never mind Championship. The set-up is really good and the fans are really good, so it was an easy decision to come back.”

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