All News
Tawera ReturnsWarrington Wolves star, Tawera Nikau has returned to England this week. The club are pleased to announce that Tawera has returned to camp and is in training. There is hope that he will return to the starting line up as soon as Wednesday against Bradford Bulls at Valley Parade. Darryl Van de Velde commented, "I am delighted to have him back, and he is intending to finish his season out with Warrington Wolves. It is a great boost to the club and especially the team."
New Stadium - Parr Hall MeetingAfter a stunning victory against St Helens the previous evening the pre-inquiry rally had a great turnout. Fans heard about the Wolves plans to tackle the inquiry with their community development programme schemes and need for a state-of-the-art stadium for the town. 
Wolves matchday announcer Pete Nutall hosted the event with great style, setting the mood for the whole event. Fans were asked to fill in a special yellow form with comments on the stadium and inquiry that would be bound and used as evidence, but would also be kept by the club as a nice piece of history. Letters to the planning Inspectorate were also completed by supporters to help the inquiry cause. 
First up to the rostrum was Chairman Doug Hoyle who gave a brief history of the club and how proud the town were to have such a history. Next came the news that the fans had been looking for, the stadium would be a 14,000 capacity, 7,000 of which would be standing in terracing. The Wolves fans clapped and cheered at the news that they had hoped for. Lord Hoyle also urged supporters to, "celebrate the past and look forward to a stadium of the future!" Lord Hoyle finished off with, "You're the Best supporters in Rugby League, so let's have a stadium worthy of your support. Let's go and get it!" 
The Mayor of Warrington Sheila Woodyatt was next to speak about the Community values of the club and how whether you knew Warrington as the Wolves or the "Wire" it had a firm place in within the town. Mayor Woodyatt added that she thought the planning inspector was looking for, "Value added in the community is something that will be taken into account." 
Leader of Warrington Borough Council John Gartside spoke next. He said that the councils planning control committee has voted in favour of the proposed plan and the council would be backing their decision 100%. He carried on to say that there were a few councillors against the plan but the vast majority were for it. Councillor Gartside also pointed that they were supporting the store as well and not just the stadium, the store was of equal importance in the inquiry campaign. 
MP for Warrington South, Helen Southworth took the podium to tell how one thing seems constant throughout her visits and work around the town, the Warrington Wolves Community programmes. The current stadium is old and really isn't fit anymore for the fans that come and watch, Mrs Southworth called for a new state of the art stadium that the town and the clubs supporters deserved and could be proud of. "We've got to get out there and get it!" 
Wolves Chief Executive Andy Gatcliffe took to the podium for a view from the management of the club. Andy thanked Darryl and the players for a great performance the previous night, the back room staff for keeping the club going day to day in difficult circumstances, the council and most of the fans for their great support. Andy said how the inquiry start Tuesday 15th May and will last for 8 days, the first few days will be down to the club to present their substantial evidence, but the second Tuesday was for "third parties" who wished to speak, such as supporters. The Inspector will make a final report and recommendation to the secretary of state and then a verdict will be given. Andy finished off with, "We have all of this support and passion and we'll come out fighting!" 
Last but certainly not least was Neil Dowson, Financial Director, who presented the new stadium plans and what was envisaged. Mr Dowson started off by saying that the designs were a draft plan put together by Neil Ainsworth of Frank Whittle Partnership and Roy Partington. "This for the first time puts the clubs ideal stadium on paper. I must point out that this was only presented to Tesco yesterday and has yet to be agreed with them, however their first reaction was positive." <
The Stadium will be situated in the north west corner of the former tetley-walker site. It now means we can fully utilise the south stand. Both ends will be standing terracing, and both sides all seating. Each of the sides will have a capacity of around 3,500 to make a total capacity of 14,000. The West Terrace will run along Dallam Lane and will be standing only. The North Stand will run along Owen Street and will be all seating. All 4 sides will have a public concourse with bars and food kiosks, toilets and general storage space. The South Stand on the Tesco side will be all seating. Adjoining this stand will be three floors of facilities for the club. To the east on the Winwick Road side will be an all standing terrace. We think this will become the home end. Adjoining this stand will be three floors of facilities. This will have an impressive glass frontage. <
Starting at the top and moving round the plan the facilities will include a multi-purpose Gymnasium. Widerschool and Community Projects can be based here too. Then there are some educational rooms that again are multi-use and will be available for the local adult community to use. Next there is the club shop which will be bigger and better than before. Then comes the Sports Bar, which will be on two levels and will include a dining facility. This area will house memorabilia and possibly a hall of fame. The fans ideas will be listened to. <
The First Floor will include two hospitality/function rooms able to cater for 300 and 200 respectively. Then we will have a number of education rooms, which will cater for club's community programmes, including Wilderschool, Playing for Sucess, Learn Direct etc. It would be used by the local colleges for their courses. In the corner is a large kitchen that will handle the stadium catering. Next is the second level of the Sports Bar and finally more office space. <
The Second floor will have outstanding views over the Stadium. There will be a over 20 boxes catering for 8 to 10 people each. On the half way line will be a larger room catering for 125 people, that could be divided up if required. There are further kitchen facilities in the corner. There will be an enormouse executive dining and conference facility that will cater for 500 people. This will be as a hospitality room on matchdays. At other times it will make an excellent facility for weddings, dinners and conferences.
Wolves matchday announcer Pete Nutall hosted the event with great style, setting the mood for the whole event. Fans were asked to fill in a special yellow form with comments on the stadium and inquiry that would be bound and used as evidence, but would also be kept by the club as a nice piece of history. Letters to the planning Inspectorate were also completed by supporters to help the inquiry cause. First up to the rostrum was Chairman Doug Hoyle who gave a brief history of the club and how proud the town were to have such a history. Next came the news that the fans had been looking for, the stadium would be a 14,000 capacity, 7,000 of which would be standing in terracing. The Wolves fans clapped and cheered at the news that they had hoped for. Lord Hoyle also urged supporters to, "celebrate the past and look forward to a stadium of the future!" Lord Hoyle finished off with, "You're the Best supporters in Rugby League, so let's have a stadium worthy of your support. Let's go and get it!" The Mayor of Warrington Sheila Woodyatt was next to speak about the Community values of the club and how whether you knew Warrington as the Wolves or the "Wire" it had a firm place in within the town. Mayor Woodyatt added that she thought the planning inspector was looking for, "Value added in the community is something that will be taken into account." Leader of Warrington Borough Council John Gartside spoke next. He said that the councils planning control committee has voted in favour of the proposed plan and the council would be backing their decision 100%. He carried on to say that there were a few councillors against the plan but the vast majority were for it. Councillor Gartside also pointed that they were supporting the store as well and not just the stadium, the store was of equal importance in the inquiry campaign. MP for Warrington South, Helen Southworth took the podium to tell how one thing seems constant throughout her visits and work around the town, the Warrington Wolves Community programmes. The current stadium is old and really isn't fit anymore for the fans that come and watch, Mrs Southworth called for a new state of the art stadium that the town and the clubs supporters deserved and could be proud of. "We've got to get out there and get it!" Wolves Chief Executive Andy Gatcliffe took to the podium for a view from the management of the club. Andy thanked Darryl and the players for a great performance the previous night, the back room staff for keeping the club going day to day in difficult circumstances, the council and most of the fans for their great support. Andy said how the inquiry start Tuesday 15th May and will last for 8 days, the first few days will be down to the club to present their substantial evidence, but the second Tuesday was for "third parties" who wished to speak, such as supporters. The Inspector will make a final report and recommendation to the secretary of state and then a verdict will be given. Andy finished off with, "We have all of this support and passion and we'll come out fighting!" Last but certainly not least was Neil Dowson, Financial Director, who presented the new stadium plans and what was envisaged. Mr Dowson started off by saying that the designs were a draft plan put together by Neil Ainsworth of Frank Whittle Partnership and Roy Partington. "This for the first time puts the clubs ideal stadium on paper. I must point out that this was only presented to Tesco yesterday and has yet to be agreed with them, however their first reaction was positive." <
The Stadium will be situated in the north west corner of the former tetley-walker site. It now means we can fully utilise the south stand. Both ends will be standing terracing, and both sides all seating. Each of the sides will have a capacity of around 3,500 to make a total capacity of 14,000. The West Terrace will run along Dallam Lane and will be standing only. The North Stand will run along Owen Street and will be all seating. All 4 sides will have a public concourse with bars and food kiosks, toilets and general storage space. The South Stand on the Tesco side will be all seating. Adjoining this stand will be three floors of facilities for the club. To the east on the Winwick Road side will be an all standing terrace. We think this will become the home end. Adjoining this stand will be three floors of facilities. This will have an impressive glass frontage. <
Starting at the top and moving round the plan the facilities will include a multi-purpose Gymnasium. Widerschool and Community Projects can be based here too. Then there are some educational rooms that again are multi-use and will be available for the local adult community to use. Next there is the club shop which will be bigger and better than before. Then comes the Sports Bar, which will be on two levels and will include a dining facility. This area will house memorabilia and possibly a hall of fame. The fans ideas will be listened to. <
The First Floor will include two hospitality/function rooms able to cater for 300 and 200 respectively. Then we will have a number of education rooms, which will cater for club's community programmes, including Wilderschool, Playing for Sucess, Learn Direct etc. It would be used by the local colleges for their courses. In the corner is a large kitchen that will handle the stadium catering. Next is the second level of the Sports Bar and finally more office space. <
The Second floor will have outstanding views over the Stadium. There will be a over 20 boxes catering for 8 to 10 people each. On the half way line will be a larger room catering for 125 people, that could be divided up if required. There are further kitchen facilities in the corner. There will be an enormouse executive dining and conference facility that will cater for 500 people. This will be as a hospitality room on matchdays. At other times it will make an excellent facility for weddings, dinners and conferences. Georgallis Out, Rivett in!Steve Georgallis will be out for the rest of the season, it has been confirmed that Steve ruptured his Achilles in the match against Halifax Blue Sox on Easter Monday. Georgallis is due to be operated on tomorrow. Former Leeds Rhinos winger Leroy Rivett has signed for the club on a one month deal. Leroy scored four tries in the Leeds' 1999 Challenge Cup final.
Round 7 Team NewsDarryl has named his squad to face St Helens tomorrow night: Alan Hunte, Rob Smyth, Ian Sibbit, Toa Kohe Love, Jamie Stenhouse, Lee Briers, Allan Langer, Martin Masella, David Highton, Danny Nutley, Steve McCurrie, Gary Mercer, Dean Busby, David Kidwell, Andrew Gee, Paul Wood, David Alstead Andrew Gee returns after a two weeks absence and Steve McCurrie is likely to start in the second row.
Parr Hall RallyThe Wolves end their extended petition gathering this Saturday with a Rally in the Parr Hall. Proceedings start from 2pm and will include the chance to sign a "Supporters Book", also on hand will be Wolves Chairman Doug Hoyle who will give a speech about the club and the proceedings of the inquiry in May. Also likely to be on show for the first time are proposed plans for the stadium. It is also the supporters last chance to hand in any petitions that they have, even if they are only partially completed. It isstrong>vital that we get them all on Saturday as they are being taken to the Inspectorate on Monday morning and officially entered as evidence for the inquiry.
Georgallis Under the KnifeUtility forward Steve Georgallis is to go under the knife this evening for exploratory surgery on an ankle injury picked up on Monday in the victory against Halifax Blue Sox. It is not fully known what the extent of the injury is but Georgallis, holder of an EU passport, may be out for quite some time. More details when the results of the surgery are known.
Tawera NikauWarrington Wolves send their greatest condolances to Tawera Nikau on the untimely passing of his wife. All at the club are greatly saddened by the loss and would ask all press and fans to respect Tawera's privacy at this difficult time.
t color="#F7D608" face="Arial" size=+2>Return of Ming!The Wolves have bagged former Halifax coach Gary Mercer on a deal to the end of the season. 34 year old Mercer first played for Warrington in November 1989 until August 1992, playing with the club in the 1990 Challenge Cup final for against Wigan, before moving on to Leeds. Gary originally came to England in 1987 to play for Bradford Northern before going onto play for Warrington and Leeds before joining Halifax as a player and then taking on the role of player/coach in July 1999. Halifax described Gary as the Club's Mr Motivator and he won the 1998 Player of the Year award and was runner up in 1999. "Ming" has represented his country at all levels, gaining 21 full Test appearances. He has played in 3 Challenge Cup finals for Warrington and Leeds losing in all three to Wigan. Darryl Van de Velde commented, "Gary brings a lot of experience and enthusiasm to the te team. He is a strong tactical player and with his experience as player/coach at Halfiax brings depth to the squad. He will be an asset to the team." Gary commented, "It is good to be back at the club, I have always had a soft spot for Warrington, when the opportunity a rose to come back I jumped at the chance. I am starting against Castleford tomorrow and I am looking forward to playing alongside Allan Langer, Andrew Gee, Danny Nutley and Marty Masella. They are all experienced players who have taken the club forward. I've watched Warrington over the last couple of seasons and they have a lot of potential to go places and I'm looking forward to being part of it."
Pub Crawl for Petitions!Fans are planning a massive Pub Crawl around town centre and outlying pubs to help raise awareness for the "Save Our Stadium" campaign and collect as many signatures as possible, whilst having the odd drink. Volunteers are needed to collect signatures for the campaign, so please come along and help out, your support keeps the club and the campaign going! Meeting @ 7.30 @ The Original Wire (formerly The Wheatsheaf), wear you Warrington shirts and bring a few quid for beer/pop money. People will be split up into small teams who will target a group of three or four pubs and then back to the Original Wire for 10pm(ish) to return the petitions. On Saturday morning there will also be a petition gathering in the Town Centre, again we need people for this. Meet at 10.45-11am outside McDonalds, kids and teenagers welcome! Wolfie should be in attendance for some of the morning. Again wear your club shirts and show people that westrong>do care aboutstrong>our club! e-mail:webmaster@warringtonwolves.com if you can help.
Wolves Coaching ScholarshipThe Wolves award winning community team have teamed up with Priestley College to deliver an exciting new initiative for their students. The Wolves are offering Priestley College sports students a chance of joining thier Primary Link team with a coaching scholarship. The Wolves recently qualified 16 sports students on a Modified Rugby League Coach Award, all will work through the college to deliver sporting opportunities for our school children. Six of the students have been chosen to join the Wolves on this special scholarship scheme. The students will have their course fees paid and kited out in coaching gear. They will coach in primary schools delivering the Wolves highly acclaimed Primary Link programme. This gives the students valuable coaching experience and will provide them with good knowledge of sports development. Neil Kelly, Rugby League Development Officer stated, "This is another unique community partnership which shows the Wolves and its local college giving great opportunities for its school children and students to gain valuable work experience." The partnership has been brought about by some hard work from Nigel Howles and Katie Baker, Heads of the Sports Department at Priestley College. College Principal, David Henderson said, "It is great to work so closely with our professional club in providing coaches of the future." The Students selected are Mike Dickenson, Richard Hough, Sarah Tones, Emma Jones, Johnathan Knight and Chris Matthews.
