Rugby League Coaching Manuals

By Andy Hampson, Sporting Life - The Co-operative Championship club were beaten 22-20 at home by Oldham in their Northern Rail Cup opener on Sunday. McCormack had been in charge at the Stobart Stadium since 2005, although he accepted a coaching post at Hull KR in November 2007 before back-tracking.

Widnes had been reforming at that time following a period in administration but McCormack agreed to return as the first coach under the new regime.

Former Salford and Whitehaven coach McCormack twice took the Vikings within a game of reaching Super League, in 2006 and 2007.

Chief executive Alex Bonney said: "Since joining the club 12 months ago I cannot fail to be impressed with the work undertaken by Steve who almost single-handedly built a team from scratch to reach the play-offs.

"Prior to this he led the club to two Grand Finals and a Northern Rail Cup victory and this morning's decision was reached amicably."

Assistant coach John Stankevitch has taken over on a caretaker basis.

McCormack, who also led Scotland at last year's World Cup, said: "It's a disappointing day but I have really enjoyed my time at Widnes.

"The club has suffered many ups and downs both on and off the field and I hope that eventually it achieves its goal of a return to the top-flight competition."