VIKINGS' fans have launched a new money-spinning scheme to help boost the club's coffers.

Widnes are already on a massive sponsorship drive to bring in much-needed cash as they prepare to go into next season with £200,000 less Sky TV revenue than last year and ICI's long-standing support coming to an end.

But supporters are taking a leaf out of Leigh Centurion's book who operate a successful fund-raising initiative where fans pay £1 a week to help secure and strengthen their team.

A spokesman for the Widnes Vikings Supporters Club said: "Through no fault of the officials at Widnes it is going to be difficult to secure the signing of all existing and future players.

"We are aiming for a minimum of 500 supporters to subscribe by direct debit to the Supporters Club of £1 a week. We will have sole charge of this money ensuring that it is used for players wages only.

"The board is not asking the supporters to put their hands in their pockets. This scheme is totally independent of the Widnes officials - it is our idea.

"The Vikings have been the best supported team in the Northern Ford Premiership this year and therefore, with the fans' help and generosity, we're sure we can make this work."

Details are available in the club shop for anyone interested in taking part.

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