One Championship boss has released a message of apology to the fans, after a poor display away from home.
Widnes Vikings suffered back-to-back defeats on Good Friday after a 18-8 loss to Barrow Raiders.
Behind 6-4 at the break, Allan Coleman’s side couldn’t get back into the tie and would end up eventual losers, in what was a trip to forget for the former Super League club.
Former Salford man Nathan Connell was one of two try scorers on the afternoon for Widnes, however it wasn’t so much the actual 80 minutes Coleman opted to apologise for, but the moments after.
The Vikings opted not to greet and thank their travelling fans who had made the long journey up to Cumbria, and instead headed straight to the changing rooms.
That is a decision the Widnes boss takes full responsibility of, and has released a statement this weekend explaining his though process.
Coleman’s statement read in full:
“I would like to apologise to the fans for us not coming over after the game on Friday.
“Looking back I got it wrong, and I am sorry for that, after your efforts to travel and support the players, the club and myself.
“I was desperate to speak to the players and take them out of the situation at the end of the game.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, on and off the field for us all, and I take responsibility for that.
“We try to look after everyone’s wellbeing, on and off the field, and there’s always a fine line with that.
“I feel I have shown over the last couple of seasons how important my relationship with the fans and the community of the town is to me. It’s what drives me most days, knowing how important the club is to you all.
“Once again, to the most important people in our sport, you the fans, I apologise.”
Given the way the fixtures have fallen, next week will mark one month since Widnes’ last victory, which was a home win over Hunslet. They have a chance to rectify that stat with two consecutive matches against Dewsbury Rams, as they face off in both the Championship and 1895 Cup over the next fortnight.
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