Vikings head coach declares his resignation
Coleman, who secured his Championship status this year and was promoted from League 1 in 2022, will make the move ahead of the Swinton Lions’ 2024 season.
Danny Craven previously used social media to announce his departure after his last home game at DCBL Stadium. Since making his club debut in 2010, he has played in over 160 games and had loan periods with Workington, Whitehaven, Featherstone, and Halifax.
He was the player with the longest tenure at the team, and it is anticipated that he would join Oldham before 2024.
After a 15-year career, veteran forward Shane Grade also declared earlier that 2023 would be his final year in the professional game. Over the course of two stints, he played 133 games for Widnes, with stops at the London Broncos, Dewsbury Rams, and Halifax.
Due to injuries, Kyle Amor’s tenure came to an early end. After making ten appearances, the four-time Grand Final winner was forced to retire earlier in May.
Eight more confirmed departures
Earlier this week, Widnes announced eight additional departures, with Adam Lawton, an academy product, at the top of the list. The 30-year-old back-rower made his Vikings debut in 2013 and was back before 2021. He previously played in the Super League with Salford.
During his two stints, he made 87 appearances after rising through the club’s development divisions.
After 81 games, Owen Farnworth, another academy graduate, will also depart from the DCBL Stadium. Since making his debut in 2017, he has only ever played for Widnes.
Olly Davies, who signed from the Sheffield Eagles, will be leaving the team after two years. The 27-year-old played in 54 games.
Aaron Davies, who also switched from Sheffield to the Championship, is leaving the Vikings.
The departures of Brad Holroyd, Ryan Millar, and Lewis Hatton have also been verified.
According to Widnes Rugby, players Liam Bent, Ollie Brookes, Matt Fleming, Matty Fozard, Ryan Ince, Joe Lyons, Max Roberts, and Sam Wilde who are not under contract should anticipate signing new agreements.
Along with new manager Coleman, moves from Swinton to Widnes have been rumoured for Wales internationals Rhodri Lloyd and Mike Butt.
