Coaching trio commit to Widnes

Widnes Vikings have confirmed that the backroom trio of Mick Cassidy, Brett Hodgson and Dave Banks have inked contract extensions for the next two years.

Head coach Denis Betts is very pleased that his assistant coaches and performance analyst are staying at the club for a longer time.

“These contract extensions are a real good thing for the club and the stability of the performance department,” he said.

“Both Brett and Mick have been a big part in how we have gone in the last couple of years and our improvements and I know there is so much more to come from them and the team.

“All of them working alongside myself and the team make Widnes Vikings a really good solid and consistent team.

“I’ve worked with Dave for a long, long time and he is consistent, diligent and delivers excellent standards across the team.

“We’ve got a very strong group of people that are enhancing our performance department here year after year and keeping them here for another couple of years is only going to keep adding to the quality of people that are involved in our organisation.”

Mick Cassidy is also very pleased to be continuing in his role at the club.

“I’m over the moon with my two year extension with Widnes Vikings and it’s great to be staying with the club after such a good year on the field,” he said.

“My first three years with the club were as a player and even though the club didn’t have any real success, the fans always turned up to support the team, and that is what I like about Widnes, the town and its supporters.

“All the staff who support Denis in his role all get along brilliantly, we have a good mix of personalities and this certainly helps whether you have a good or a bad day on the field.

“We want to improve again next season, hopefully we can add to our squad with a couple more experienced players to help keep the pressure on the players to perform each week.

“Pressure on places is vital if we are to challenge for a top 4 spot next year.”

Performance Analyst Dave Banks has spent almost 11 years with the Vikings and is very pleased to be staying put.

“I’m very pleased in signing a new deal with the club and I’m happy to continue working for the Vikings,” he said.

“It will be my 11th season with the club next year, I feel like part of the fixtures and fittings around the place now!

“It’s great working with Denis, Mick and Brett. We have a very interesting and exciting dynamic, and we have a interesting interaction with the players and how we can get the best out of them so I’m looking forward to continue working with them.

“I think we’re capable of taking the next step, the players are capable of improving and have shown that in each year we have been in Super League by doing better than the last and I think we’re ready to do that in 2017.”