It’s already been confirmed that Wigan Warriors’ long-serving chairman Ian Lenagan, a man who has brought the club plenty of success, is stepping down at the end of the season and there is now another chairman set to depart however Championship club Widnes Vikings have confirmed that Chris Price has stepped down with immediate effect.
The Vikings have had a turbulent 2023 in which they’ve parted ways with head coach John Kear following a poor mid season slump.
They currently sit in seventh place just one point outside the playoff spots with a recent uptick in form seeing them win their last three matches and force their way into contention.
The Vikings haven’t experienced playoff rugby in the Championship since their relegation from Super League in 2018 and that’s got to be the aim for the club this season, although it will be a very tight run in till the end of the season.
It was announced via the club website that Price would step down as they released the following statement.
“Widnes Vikings can confirm that Chris Price will step down from the board of directors and his position as chairman of the club, after over four years in the role.
“Chris will exit the club with immediate effect, with the remaining directors taking over the additional workload.
He said: “Commitments away from the club mean that I do not have the time to continue. I will leave the club that means so much to me I’m a very proud Widnesian and honoured to have served Widnes Vikings.
“I would like to think that I leave the club in a better place than the one taken over by myself and the board in 2019.
“I am personally proud that we have always paid all of our suppliers and any of our liabilities promptly and on time and in some cases, re-built relationships that had been destroyed by the previous administration, including the one with our landlord, Halton Borough Council.
“Over the past few years, Covid and the change to the economic climate meant readjusting our budgets and business model and as a board, and we have had to make some difficult decisions during our tenure. Although those decisions have not always been popular, they have always been carefully considered and for the good of the club.
“As a board, we supported the IMG and RFL partnership and remain hopeful of the opportunities that this can bring to Widnes Vikings.
“To my fellow directors that have always acted with honesty and integrity, thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to improve Widnes Vikings, a common goal and aspiration that we have all shared. I am confident that under the current board and with Chris Hamilton’s experience and leadership, the club will progress, and I look forward to following the club as a sponsor and supporter, as I have done since my childhood.
“I would like to thank all of the fans for the support and well wishes that I have received over the years and all of the back-office team for their efforts, including those from the Vikings Sports Foundation that work and engage with our community.
“Thanks also to all of the club sponsors that chose to back the club during challenging financial times when they could have chosen to keep their money within their own business. Your support has always meant a lot.
“I would particularly like to thank all those that continue to volunteer for the club. From matchday support both on and off the field, working at the shop, selling Golden Gamble tickets, dealing with our heritage museum, managing club statistics, arranging supporter buses to away games, organising Widiots bingo or being Kemik on matchday, your support has been greatly appreciated.
“I would say that to help the club move forward, please get behind the club however possible. Whether that’s sponsorship, joining VIPS, buying a ticket or shirt, joining the lottery or even having a meal in hospitality, your support is appreciated and never taken for granted.
“Finally, I would like to thank my family, Joanne, James and Edward who have not only supported me during some difficult times but have themselves volunteered so many hours of unpaid work for the club in a multitude of areas.
“I wish Neil and his team all the very best for the rest of 2023 and beyond.”
The club then added to Price’s sentiments confirming that they had accepted his decision “with great reluctance”.
“The Board of Directors have accepted Chris’ decision to step away from the club with great reluctance, but fully respect the reasons that he has outlined.
“The vice-chair, Roger Harrison, echoes the views of the whole Board and Shareholders:
“Chris Price will be sorely missed. He has led us through a momentous period of our club with a leadership style that is clothed in integrity, patience, self deprecation and personal sacrifice.
“We are delighted that he will still walk on the journey with us as a major sponsor and supporter and see the benefit of his work as we move ever closer to where we want to be in the new landscape afforded by the RFL and IMG partnership. “
The Vikings next match sees them face bottom of the table Newcastle Thunder on Saturday at Kingston Park.
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