Financially-stricken Widnes Vikings have been told to put a rescue package forward for Halton Borough Council to approve.
Local council come to rescue
Struggling Widnes Vikings have been offered a lifeline by Halton Borough Council.
The financially-stricken National League club went into administration this week after failing to secure their return to the Super League.
Widnes are now seeking new owners after the directors of the club decided they could no longer provide funding.
The council, who own the Halton Stadium and therefore have a vested interest in the future of the club, have asked the Vikings to put together a rescue package for their approval.
A Widnes statement said: "At the request of both the RFL and Halton Borough Council, club officials are now preparing short and long-term business plans which will then be submitted to both parties.
"Halton Council is keen to maintain their close relationship with the club both on and off the field and will work hard with club officials and the administrator to put it back on a firm operational basis and where it truly belongs - in the Super League."
In doubt
The future of the Vikings has been in doubt since chairman Stephen Vaughan stepped down and offered to sell his shares earlier this year.
The four remaining directors, led by new chairman Peter Knowles, pumped £150,000 into the club to see it through to the end of the season.
The team that lost to Castleford in the promotion decider has now begun to break up following the administration announcement on Tuesday.
Jordan James, Ian Webster and Aaron Summers have all signed for Celtic Crusaders, Damien Blanch has joined Wakefield and Toa Kohe-Love and Gareth Pryce are set to join Dennis Moran at Leigh.
The remaining players now face uncertain futures as does coach Steve McCormack, who has now experienced defeat in four consecutive National League One Grand Finals, two of them with Whitehaven.
