WIDNES VIKING fans stepped forward this weekend to rescue their beloved club from financial ruin, raising £45,000 as the Star went to press. 

The former World Club Champions entered administration last Friday after a planned takeover collapsed leaving the club one week to find new owners before liquidation. 

Vikings Quids In (VIQI), an independent, not-for-profit organisation supporting Vikings for almost 20 years, has called on fans to help in its efforts to raise enough funds to save the team.

“Whilst all of us are hurting by the current crisis, the only thing that matters now is action,” reads a statement on VIQI’s website. 

“A united effort from our supporters and backers of the club can help save our historic team. 

“As an independent organisation, with a long heritage of supporting Widnes Vikings in times of need, we hope that we can be a trusted partner for supporters. 

“With our own bank account, we will safeguard the money raised and ensure that it is used appropriately to assist the long-term future of this club. 

“Our immediate priority is to help generate enough funds to make a meaningful contribution to ensure that Widnes Vikings can overcome the threat of administration.”

Ultimately VIQI hopes to establish an active supporters’ trust that could take an ownership stake in the club. 

“With representatives from across our supporter-base working together, we hope that this will create a more sustainable and transparent club, that we all have a stake in.”

However for for the moment the VIQI is focused on raising the funds to pull the club away from administration. 

The Vikings’ performance director Phil Finney said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response from supporters and rugby league fans around the world, who have donated and signed up to become VIQI members.

“Behind the scenes, staff, volunteers and players have been working tirelessly to help save the club. We’re not giving up and thank everyone who is showing their support.”

The club’s Twitter feed was awash with stories of people chipping in what they can to put the club back in the black. 

Among them was a Joe, the owner of local gents’ salon Arkitect Barbers, who donated all of his shop’s takings from Sunday, handing over £550. 

Another post read: “We are truly astounded to have seen the level of support we have received. 

“This includes Matt Taylor, who has turned up today to donate £10,000 to the fight! We are simply lost for words.”

The club is planning a fundraising event on Monday night at the Halton Stadium from 6.30pm-8.30pm. The club says “the event will feature many incredible auction and raffle prizes, so please dig deep in the effort to save our club – you could own a piece of Widnes History.”