SPRUCE TAKES TEMPORARY CHARGE OF WIDNES

Widnes have appointed Stuart Spruce as caretaker coach following the departure of Neil Kelly.

Kelly was sacked after the Vikings' 56-8 thrashing by Wigan in the Tetley's Super League last Saturday.

Former Great Britain and Bradford full-back Spruce had been working as Kelly's assistant after being forced to retire from playing through injury last year.

The Vikings board of directors now plan to meet tomorrow to discuss advertising for a permanent successor to Kelly.

Leigh coach Darren Abram and Whitehaven's Steve McCormack have both been linked with the post, as has former Centurions boss Paul Terzis.

Chris Anderson would be a more high-profile choice but the former Australia coach is wanted by Welsh rugby union side Newport Gwent Dragons.

Spruce's first game in charge of Widnes will be Sunday's trip to Huddersfield.

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