Widnes Rugby Chat - Widnes Vikings Rugby League Podcast

For the first episode of 2022, James catches up with Widnes head coach Simon Finnigan to discuss the off-season, pre-season and how preparations are going for the new campaign. Thanks to our sponsors: PD Law Solicitors Arnold Gorse Financial Management WISSL Parklands FC You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

Widnes coach Simon Finnigan reflects on the 2021 season, the highs and the lows, and talks about the recruitment for 2022 and his hopes for moving forward. Thanks to our sponsors: PD Law Solicitors Arnold Gorse Financial Management WISSL Parklands FC You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

In the latest episode, James is joined by BBC Radio Merseyside's John Lawless to discuss the home defeat against Batley, looking ahead to the rest of the season and 2022, as well as how any planned re-structures in the sport will impact Widnes. Thanks to our sponsors: PD Law Solicitors Arnold Gorse Financial Management WISSL Parklands FC The podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday. You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

Widnes coach Simon Finnigan talks about the win away at Bradford and how they prepared for the short and narrow pitch, as well as looking ahead to the trip to Halifax. He also updates on injuries, recruitment and form players. This was recorded before the signing of Lewis Hulme and the release of Calum O'Neill. Thanks to our sponsors: PD Law Solicitors Arnold Gorse Financial Management WISSL Parklands FC The podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday. You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

Fans are finally back! I speak to five fans who attended Widnes' win over Whitehaven at the weekend, the first Widnes game fans have been able to attend for more than a year.I also catch up with Simon Finnigan following the 44-6 win, discussing injuries, in-form players and recruitment plans.Thanks to our sponsors:PD Law SolicitorsArnold Gorse Financial ManagementWISSLParklands FCThe podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday.You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

After the club record equalling defeat to Toulouse last week, Widnes welcome York City Knights this weekend, a club firmly on the up. I caught up with Knights media man Gavin Wilson to talk about the threats Widnes will face this weekend and how both clubs sit in the Championship reckoning.Thanks to our sponsors:PD Law SolicitorsArnold Gorse Financial ManagementWISSLParklands FCThe podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday.You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

Widnes coach Simon Finnigan joins me for a frank discussion about the club's disastrous recent form, which has seen back-to-back defeats to Dewsbury and Batley. I'm also joined by one of Finnigan's former team-mates, Australian winger Justin Murphy, who had a memorable five-game spell with the club back in 2004.Thanks to our sponsors:PD Law SolicitorsArnold Gorse Financial ManagementWISSLParklands FCThe podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday.You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

Rugby league journalist Ian Cheveau is this week's guest on the podcast, as we look at Widnes' first four games of the season; the current state of the squad and what the realistic hopes for the season can be.Thanks to our sponsors:PD Law SolicitorsArnold Gorse Financial ManagementWISSLParklands FCThe podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday.You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

A detailed chat with Simon Finnigan following the first two games of the season, his reaction to the cup draw against Salford and looking ahead to the opening league game of the season against his former club Newcastle. He also reveals the extent of Logan Tomkins' foot injury and the club's possible move in to the transfer market.Thanks to our sponsors:PD Law SolicitorsArnold Gorse Financial ManagementWISSLParklands FCThe podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday.You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

Willie Isa is the special guest for the latest Widnes Rugby Chat, as he talks about his time at the club from 2012-2015, where he turned from an unprolific outside back to a fearsome forward who would win a Super League title with Wigan.Also in this episode, current Vikings head coach Simon Finnigan and Jack Owens look ahead to the 2021 season, including this weekend's Challenge Cup tie at West Wales Raiders.Thanks to our sponsors:PD Law SolicitorsArnold Gorse Financial ManagementWISSLParklands FCThe podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday, at least until the season starts when it may go weekly.You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

Former Widnes captain Kevin Brown opens up about his time at the club and his controversial departure, while we also hear from current captain Jack Owens and head coach Simon Finnigan ahead of the new season.Brown is celebrating his testimonial year in 2021 and leaves a message for Widnes fans during the episode.Thanks to our sponsors:PD Law SolicitorsArnold Gorse Financial ManagementWISSLParklands FCThe podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday, at least until the season starts when it may go weekly.You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

The podcast is back and the first episode of 2021 has an in-depth and wide-ranging interview with Widnes Vikings chief executive Phil Finney. We cover a host of topics, including the club's decision to disband the academy, the current financial situation, the coaching change over the close season and plenty more.2:40 Phil Finney introduction4:04 Challenge Cup draw reaction5:34 Disbanding the academy23:50 The problems with the academy system27:09 Personal impact on closing academy32:20 Players that have come through36:45 Future pathway51:30 Club’s current financial situation64:00 Planning for the new season with COVID67:00 Coaching change Thanks to our sponsors:PD Law SolicitorsArnold Gorse Financial ManagementWISSLParklands FCThe podcast will be released every fortnight on a Tuesday, at least until the season starts when it may go weekly.You can contact me via Twitter or via jdgsport.com

On this week's show, we're joined by Warrington Guardian's Matt Turner to discuss the dual-registration partnership with the Wolves. Also hear post-match reaction from head coach Tim Sheens and Matty Smith following the 40-16 victory over Whitehaven. Thanks to John Lawless and Adrian Jackson for the interviews. Musical Allsorts – https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law – https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/ Deals Jewellers – https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/) Arnold Gorse Financial Management

On this week's show, we hear Challenge Cup reaction from head coach Tim Sheens and Logan Tomkins following the victory over Oldham. Thanks to Adrian Jackson for the interviews. Musical Allsorts – https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law – https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/ Deals Jewellers – https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/) Arnold Gorse Financial Management Update Description (https://audioboom.com/posts/7509968-widnes-rugby-chat-40-post-match-reaction-with-logan-tomkins/edit)

On this week's show, we hear reaction from Logan Tomkins following the defeat against London Broncos, and I also discuss featuring on the all-new WidnesTV as commentator.  Musical Allsorts – https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law – https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/ Deals Jewellers – https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/) Arnold Gorse Financial Management

On this week's show, we hear from Widnes head coach Tim Sheens and fullback Jack Owens following the victory over Batley Bulldogs. Musical Allsorts – https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law – https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/ Deals Jewellers – https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/) Arnold Gorse Financial Management

James is joined by Josh McAllister, who asks for some insight in to James' life as a Widnes fan - including first match, favourite player and balancing life as a journalist with supporting a club. Musical Allsorts – https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law – https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/ Deals Jewellers – https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/) Arnold Gorse Financial Management

In this week's episode... - Exclusive interview with 2020 recruit and Super League Grand Final winner Matty Smith - Anthony Gelling discusses part-time rugby and his time at Widnes Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management Update Description (https://audioboom.com/posts/7484740-widnes-rugby-chat-36-exclusive-interview-with-jack-johnson/edit)

In this week's episode... - Exclusive interview with 2020 recruit Jack Johnson - Keanan Brand reflects on time with Widnes at Warrington's media day Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management

In this week's episode... - Exclusive interview with head coach Tim Sheens - Widnes TV  - Brian McDermott's moan at 'shocking widnes fans' - Championship launch Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management

In this week's episode... - Exclusive extra content with Widnes chief executive Phil Finney - Run through of fixtures Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management

In this week’s episode: Run through of the Members evening at the Halton Stadium Central funding information The latest player recruitment news Dual-registration options A special request to Halton Council  Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management

James is back for a summary of the ins and outs from the club in the off-season so far, including the new head coach.  Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management

James is back for a summary of the ins and outs from the club in the off-season so far. Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management

James is back to give his thoughts on the Wembley defeat to Sheffield Eagles, offers a tale of woe of the Vikings' recent history and there's an interview with Kieron Purtill in the aftermath of the 1895 Cup final loss. Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management

James is joined by Ian Cheveau to discuss the Vikings' trip to Wembley, the latest on the player recruitment front and all the noise coming out of the club following the recent Members' Monday. Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management

James reflects on the past few weeks since the last podcast, with thoughts on the club's announcement to go part-time, the defeat to Bradford, the possible return of Patrick Ah Van and departures of players.

A short podcast this week, as we hear from Phil Cantillon, who was a guest of the club during the win over Barrow, and Chris Dean's thoughts on three wins in nine days.

In the latest Widnes Rugby Chat, James pores over the administrators report which has recently been released, reviews the notes from the most recent members meeting and plugs the new Up the Vikings fanzine, produced by WISSL. There is also an open and honest interview with coach Kieron Purtill, who discusses his situation at the club. Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com (https://www.musical-allsorts.com/) PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk (https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/)   Arnold Gorse Financial Management

James reviews the sponsors evening at the Halton Stadium hosted by the club, where chief executive Phil Finney provided insight in to the club's situation. There were also talks with chairman Chris Price and commercial director Tracy Glendinning. Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk  Arnold Gorse Financial Management

Part 2 from the recent members night at Widnes Vikings, with head coach Kieron Purtill and captain Hep Cahill answering questions and providing some insight.  Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk  Arnold Gorse Financial Management

At the latest Widnes Members night, chief executive Phil Finney took to the stage to answer questions from Dave Rolt about the current status of the club, the issues it faces and some plans moving forward. The second part of the evening, which includes some questions from fans, will be released next week. Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/  Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk  Arnold Gorse Financial Management

James and Ian Cheveau review the defeat against Dewsbury and the current situation at Widnes, including the future of Anthony Gelling. There's also an interview with Sam Wilde. Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/ Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk Arnold Gorse Financial Management

After Sam Freeman’s amazing four try home debut, James caught up with his mum Viv, who runs the Parklands Sports Club, a proud sponsor and partner of the club. There’s also interviews with Jordan Johnstone and Kieron Purtill, thanks to Adrian Jackson. Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/ Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk Arnold Gorse Financial Management

In this episode, filmed at sponsors PD Law, we hear from Kieron Purtill following the defeat to Batley and James gives his thoughts on the game. We are then joined by PD Law supremo Phil Doyle, who talks about his connection with the club and his sponsorship of the half time challenge, amongst other things, that led him to recruiting Widnes fan Jordan Shard. And current Vikings academy player Jake Burns, who combines his fledgling rugby career with part-time work at PD Law, also joins the conversation to provide some insight in to the life of a young player. Thanks to our sponsors: * Musical Allsorts - [https://www.musical-allsorts.com](https://www.musical-allsorts.com) * PD Law - [https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/](https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/) * Deals Jewellers - [https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk](https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk) * Arnold Gorse Financial Management

James is back with a special episode filmed at Parklands, with two of the newly formed WISSL committee - WISSL having supported the members night at the club on Monday. Also included are interviews with Jack Owens and Kieron Purtill following the Challenge Cup win over Oldham. Thanks to our sponsors: * Musical Allsorts - [https://www.musical-allsorts.com](https://www.musical-allsorts.com) * PD Law - [https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/](https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/) * Deals Jewellers - [https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk](https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk) * Arnold Gorse Financial Management

Hear from Widnes coach Kieron Purtill and captain Hep Cahill, who caught up with Adrian Jackson following the win over Bradford, while Love Rugby League's Drew Darbyshire joins James for the first part of the show to discuss the try/no try decision that has caused a stir on social media this week. Phone-in number: 0151 203 5871.

James is riding solo in this week's podcast, discussing the Barrow game, looking ahead to Bradford and also mentions for VIQI and WISSL. As well as that, the new Widnes Rugby Chat phone-in number (0151 2035 871) has now been launched to enable you to have your say on the podcast! Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - https://www.musical-allsorts.com PD Law - https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/ Deals Jewellers - https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/ Arnold Gorse Financial Management

After Widnes' future was saved and the club exited administration, James caught up with Bethany Pennington, who started the Vikings Go Fund Me campaign which has raised more than £100k in aid of the club. Thanks to our sponsors: Musical Allsorts - [https://www.musical-allsorts.com](https://www.musical-allsorts.com) PD Law - [https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/](https://www.pdlawsolicitors.co.uk/) Deals Jewellers - [https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/](https://www.dealbetweenusjewellery.co.uk/) Arnold Gorse Financial Management

Quiet week? James is back to ponder over the past seven days as a Widnes fan, including the press conference to announce administration, fundraising at the stadium, fans meetings and some special thank you's - not least to the show's new sponsors, funding from which has all gone to the club!

James is once again joined by Love Rugby League deputy editor Drew Darbyshire to mull over the club's statement on its financial crisis and the potential threat of administration. They also review the Vikings' first defeat of the season at Toronto Wolfpack and look ahead to the visit of unbeaten Sheffield Eagles on Sunday.

James is joined by Love Rugby League deputy editor Drew Darbyshire to discuss Widnes' fantastic win away at Toulouse and look ahead to the mouth-watering clash with Toronto Wolfpack in Newcastle on Saturday. There is also some chatter about the current status of the club, the fans meeting on Wednesday and comments on the improved fan engagement and initiatives coming out of the club in recent weeks.

James is joined by journalist Ian Cheveau to discuss Widnes' impressive start to the season, the win at home to Halifax. There is the post-match thoughts of Kieron Purtill, followed by discussion over the ownership of the club, potential administration and looking ahead to the trip to France to face Toulouse this weekend.

After a week's break, James returns with the latest Widnes Rugby Chat, featuring interviews with Vikings coach Kieron Purtill and centre Krisnan Inu ahead of the new season.

In the first Widnes Rugby Chat of 2019, James sits down with Louise Goodall, who is organising an open meeting for Widnes fans to be held on Thursday 10th January at Parklands (7pm). She discusses the purpose of the meeting, the reasons behind it and how revitalising a supporters trust can be good for the club and the fans.

In the latest Widnes Rugby Chat, James discusses the Vikings fixture list for 2019, somewhat overshadowed by recent events! Also some comments on ticket prices, suggestions on improvements and some feedback.

James is joined by Love Rugby League colleague Drew Darbyshire to look at Widnes' strongest 13 for 2019, and compare it to the Toronto, Toulouse, Halifax, Leigh, Featherstone and Bradford equivalents. Drew also gives his impartial views on the situation at Widnes on and off the pitch.

After a busy fortnight, James reflects on the impact of the news that has broken over the past week or so, including executive departures and the signings of Krisnan Inu and Anthony Gelling. Further information is also provided with regards to transparency and clarifying some inaccuracies regarding central funding.

James is joined again by rugby league journalist Ian Cheveau for an emergency edition of Widnes Rugby Chat after a dramatic week at the club that saw the resignation of James Rule as chief executive, the revelation from Steve O'Connor that the board are open to gifting their shares and all the fall out surrounding Anthony Gelling. We try and break it down and give our opinions on what's going on and how it could pan out for Widnes moving forward.

James is joined this week by RFL publications editor and long-time Widnes rugby league journalist Ian Cheveau to react to last week's interview with Luke Backhouse, discuss the way the club is run, possible areas for growth, the amateur game, the current state of the first team squad and the Vikings' prospects in the Championship next season. * Unfortunately, this was recorded prior to Anthony Gelling and Twitter-gate, so more on that next week!

Joining James this week is Luke Backhouse - a sponsor of the club who funded signings like Charlie Gubb and Harrison Hansen ahead of The Qualifiers, and who has invested considerable sums in the club as a sponsor over the past 4/5 years. He talks about the current state of the club, his discussions over possibly buying the club and how he thinks Widnes will fare in 2019.