WIDNES VIKINGS general manager Tim Holmes is building towards the first game of 2026.
The former Widnes player was appointed in October, returning to the club after several years away having previously worked in a variety of roles, including kitman, player welfare officer and head of strength and conditioning.
He is now the man tasked with helping deliver Widnes’ long-term ambitions to return to Super League.
“I’ve been that man sitting on the couch watching Super League and being a bit concerned about the game and how it is moving forward and how it is being marketed, and thinking my kids have got no connection to this unbelievable club,” he said.
“A couple of times I drove past the stadium and the kids aren’t even excited to see it, and it was at that point I thought I could offer something and it’s been a nagging feeling that’s been in me for a while.
“We’ve got a great hotbed of talent, we’ve got a great hotbed of supporters. Whatever has gone on in the past has gone on and has meant the club is where the club are. But we know the potential and that frustration comes because we know the potential.
“I want to get the town of Widnes to be proud of the club, to get more locals playing for our club and have that passion to be proud of what we’re representing, and so the people at weekends want to come and be involved in this journey.
“Our first game needs to be our biggest game. That’s our north star at the moment, getting that stadium feeling unbelievable for that first day.
“We’re looking at everything involved in matchday but also everything that goes into build-up to the match.”