Goole Vikings are set to become the newest team welcomed into League One for next season. The Vikings have seen their application approved by the RFL board, the governing body has confirmed, and will join the league in 2025.
They will become the third professional side in East Yorkshire, joining Hull FC and Hull KR, as they try to bridge the geographical gap between the city of Hull and those sides in West Yorkshire such as Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity. Goole saw off competition from Anglian Vipers and Bedford Tigers to enter League One.
The club has been in operation since 2018 and have been playing in the Yorkshire Men’s League, while their junior sides compete in the City of Hull and District. A separate decision will be made in December about whether Goole should be admitted to the RFL.
In a statement released on the club’s website, Goole confirmed that the club’s Victoria Pleasure Ground home set to undergo a £7m redevelopment next year. The club will be officially unveiled on October 1, with a high profile management team, said to be spearheaded by Scott Taylor, according to Hull Live, and a competitive squad due to be in place.
The club have also confirmed they been working with former Hull CEO James Clark, who let the Black and Whites earlier this year, during their application process.
“This is a very exciting time for the people of Goole and the wider region, with professional rugby league being added to the growing reputation of the sport in the area,” club chairman Mark Richardson said.
“The amateur club has done a fantastic job in re-establishing the sport locally at senior and junior level, and we should recognise the outstanding contribution of Tony Whiteley (Club President) and Andy Barras (Vice Chairman) in delivering that, as well as a host of dedicated volunteers.
“In addition, I must also thank James Clark who has been advising the board throughout this process and has been an integral part of our successful application.
“He has been at the pinnacle of club management in rugby league over the last fifteen years, including his role as chief executive at Hull FC, where he oversaw two Challenge Cup victories and a ‘Grade A’ Super League licence, as well as delivering record levels of commercial turnover, fan engagement and an acclaimed talent pathway.
“James is a fantastic operator, and his involvement in the club and his Super League mindset has driven our professional standards and commercial acumen, as we strive to improve the club for the elite level.
“I am delighted that James will continue working closely with the board in a strategic capacity, alongside his other endeavours in sport and business, which will no doubt bring further benefits to our club over the long term.”
The RFL board have also approved a proposal to elect two new vice-presidents in the shape of Steve Wild and Danika Priim.
