FORMER Warrington coach Paul Cullen has today been appointed new boss of Widnes Vikings.

The former England chief has agreed a two-year contract and will take charge after their opening league game of the season against Toulouse at the Stobart Stadium on Thursday.

Cullen, who has been out of work since being sacked by Wolves 10 months ago, was among the high-profile applicants for arguably the biggest job outside Super League and selected from a short list of three.

“I'm really excited to be joining Widnes,” he said. “The plan is simple, we need to get Widnes into Super League where we belong.”

Cullen, whose first position as a head coach came in the National League with Whitehaven, was Super League's longest-serving coach when he paid the price for Warrington's poor run last May.

Widnes chairman Steve O'Connor said: “We had 17 applications and it was pleasing to see that the name of Widnes is one that is still held in high regard within the rugby league world.

“I have met with three of the applicants and during my meeting with Paul I was impressed with his enthusiasm and vision for the future of the club, one which I share with him.

“Paul has coached at all levels of the sport and will bring with him a wealth of experience to the role.

“This, coupled with the exciting squad we have, should give us the platform to launch an assault on the Co-operative Championship whilst being just two games away from the Northern Rail Cup final.”

Steve McCormack parted company with Widmes after only one competitive game this season, a shock Northern Rail Cup group defeat at Oldham, and his assistant John Stankevitch has been in temporary charge.

O'Connor added: “I would like to put on record my thanks to John Stankevitch for the work he has undertaken over the last few weeks and I am sure he will be a valuable member of our coaching team for the future.” Tweet