THE hunt for the man to finally propel the Vikings back into Rugby League's top flight should end when the club board meets tonight (Wednesday) to name a new coach.

A short-list of four has been drawn up from the 17 who applied for the post left vacant by the sacking of Graeme West.

Vikings' chairman Tony Chambers was tight-lipped about the identities of the four contenders, divulging only that caretaker boss Colin Whitfield had made the cut.

The short-list is thought to include St Helen's assistant coach Mike Gregory, who is following Shaun McRae out of Knowsley Road where Ellery Hanley is taking over next season..

Gregory has just coached St Helen's second string to victory over Wigan in the Alliance cup final.

A straw poll conducted by Sports World showed strong support for Gregory.

The St Helen's man might just be the name to placate supporters unsettled by recent travails.

Colin Whitfield, who took up the reins at Widnes following West's departure, is also intent on landing the job. He has the advantage of already being a coach at the Auto Quest, having worked under West.

Others in the frame are Phil Sigsworth, an Australian who has coached Hull, and player Derek McVey, who once lined out for Widnes.

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