Widnes confirm new Head Coach

Widnes Vikings are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Finnigan as the club’s new head coach on a two-year deal.

Although relatively early in his coaching career, Finnigan already has a wealth of experience at a number of different levels, both as an assistant and head coach.

Finnigan joins the club having spent the last two seasons as head coach of Newcastle Thunder, leading the club to the League One Play-Off Final in his first year in charge.

Prior to his move to the North East, Simon was also assistant coach during a successful period at Toronto Wolfpack, helping the club win League One and gain promotion to the Championship. The following season the club also won the Championship League Leaders Shield and reached the Million Pound Game before his departure to Newcastle.

Simon’s coaching career began with Leigh Centurions in 2014, taking up a role as an assistant following his retirement from rugby league while playing for the club.

On the news, he told the club website: “It is a massive honour, I feel privileged to get this opportunity and it obviously means a lot to me.

“Yesterday was 19 years to the day that I came over to England, and I have been in Widnes ever since. It is a privilege and an honour to be named head coach of the club.

“I have always had an association with Widnes, and I have got that history with the club. I live in the town, this is my home.

“When the opportunity came up it was something I wanted to do straight away because this club means a lot to me. I can see the project that all of us here at the club are working to achieve and it makes it a really exciting time to be a part of that moving forward.

“My message to the fans is to carry on as you have always done. I was lucky enough to play for you. They are a passionate group who always get behind the club through the good and bad times it is very much appreciated.

“I cannot wait to be walking out in front of our supporters again. I am excited to be back at the club and I am excited to play my part in front of the fans again.”