A MIXED week for Widnes Vikings, 1998 vintage, saw some garlanded by the supporters' club while nine others learnt that they were surplus to new coach Colin Whitfield's requirements.

Following on from last week's disclosure that club captain Kyle White was to be released, eight others were told that they would not be offered contracts for next season.

Prominent among them is Gareth Cunningham. Others to be culled from the squad are Mark Blackwood, Ian Connor, Lee Davidson, John Harrison, David Myers, Tony Fenlon and Neil Allday.

But there was news of a more welcome nature for Craig Makin, who was voted last season's Player of the Year by Widnes supporters' club.

Craig's mother Sandra collected the award on his behalf at the ceremony at The Auto Quest stadium on Friday night.

Makin, who recently transferred to Super League Salford, succeeded Jamie Bloem, who won the award last year before decamping to Halifax.

The forward, who was singled out for praise by Graeme West when he left the club, beat off competition from Chris Percival and penalty-taker Mark Hewitt.

Adam Hughes won the Alliance team Player of the Year, while the Academy honour went to Lee Connolly.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.