AS CONSTRUCTION work on the Auto Quest's new West Stand gathers pace, the serious business of resurrecting Widnes Vikings on the pitch has been entrusted to Colin Whitfield, named as head coach on Monday.

Whitfield has been handed a 12-month contract, with a brief to make Widnes the talk of Rugby League again.

Announcing the appointment Vice-chairman Tom Fleet said: "We see 1999 as a very critical year for the club, with promotion to Super League essential to the club."

Colin will be joined by ex-Wigan and Warrington internationalist Brian Case, who will work specifically on forward play.

Postman Colin, who was caretaker coach following the demise of Graeme West, said of his new job: "I am happy to achieve my ambition of becoming a head coach.

"I'm looking forward to it. I'm as ambitious as the next man and now the work starts."

Colin identified stand-off and forward as positions where strengthening was needed.

"With more additions to the squad, we are hopeful to be challenging for the positions further up the league."

But he faces a baptism of fire in his bid to assemble a quality side, as 27 players are currently out of contract.

Last year's star performer, Craig Makin, left for Salford last week.

Tom Fleet said the board were "very pleased" to confirm Colin as chief, describing the new man as "a popular choice" among players and staff.

Mr Fleet refused to be drawn on the amounts of money available for new players.

Colin is from Widnes, although he never actually played for the club. His clubs included Salford, Wigan and Halifax. He has worked in junior coaching positions for the Vikings for two years.

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