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1998 Warrington Wolves Club News |
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1998 Warrington Wolves Club News |
Mike Wainwright has staved off the Salford Reds and finally put pen to paper with the Wolves. A new two year deal has been agreed to by the loose forward who never missed a match this season.
Former Saints pack man Chris Morley has won an appeal against action taken by the club earlier in the season. Morley is said to have swore at coach Darryl van De Velde on the way back from the Sheffield game in September. Morley, aged 25, was part of the deal that saw Paul Sculthorpe move to Knowsley Road, at the time Morley was rated as £70,000.
Rugby Football League Media Manager John Huxley said, "The appeal has been upheld and it is now up to the player to reach a settlement with the club.".
Paul Cullen, representing the club said, "All we wish to say is that we have learned serious administrative lessons over disciplining players. We have a meeting with, the players' union and his agent next week when we will be looking to facilitate a settlement contract."
Teenage prop Warren Stevens has been taken off the transfer list after impressing all with his enthusiasm, spirit and skill in pre-season training. Warren was sensationally put on the list back in October for £45,000, along with team mates Mike Wainwright and John Duffy. The teenager, who debuted in SL2, was thought to be disillusioned at not being able to keep a regular first team place is looking forward to the new season.
Dean Busby took a fitness test today, but has yet to officially sign papers with the club. The move is thought to be near completion with the contract being signed early next week.
Dean Hangar has come through a sucessfull operation on his groin and will be ready for training in the next few weeks.
The new board for the Wolves is :
The Chairman is yet to be appointed but is believed to be former local MP Doug Doyle.
A momentous day in the history of Warrington Rugby League club was completed yesterday as a consortium of businessmen and the local council put pen to paper to seal the future of the 119 year old club.
A deal worth 1.6 million has been put together by Greenalls, Warrington Borough Council, Bill Holroyd (a local businessman) and Simon Moran (a local pop concert promoter).
Norman Summers, head of Greenalls audit and corporate services department, summed up the takeover: "This will be a listening club, it will be the peoples club. We really do believe this. Without the people of Warrington there is nothing."
The injection of cash into the club will virtually wipe out the debt that has accrued over the years. All consortium members are committed to the supporters as well as the clubs future, Leader of Warrington Borough Council John Gartside said: "The responsibility now is not just with the Directors and shareholders but with the people of the town."
"We see the supporters as absolutely integral to the club. They are not going to be ignored. In many ways I think we see it as their club."
Summers added, "We can put in place all the structures, all the skill and professionals that are needed, but Warrington people have to pick this club up and support it and make it their own club. The club will be successful only if the people of Warrington want it to be successful."
Clr. John Gartside - Warrington Borough Council |
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A long time fan of Warrington, Clr. Gartside is the leader of the Council and the man responsible for bringing about the purchase of Wilderspool. "We're very aware of the history and great traditions of the club and the added value it gives to the community life of the town." "Rugby League is Warrington's flagship sport and we are very keen to see a successful and thriving club. A successful sporting club clearly make a contribution at a whole range of levels, such as encouraging sporting activity and sporting excellence, as well as a kind of entertainment and community cohesion aspect." |
Bill Holroyd - Local Businessman |
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Bill is chairman of five local companies and is the former chief executive of Holroyd Meek, a very successful food distribution company which he sold in 1995. Bill is thought to have been brought into the deal by personal friend Peter Greenall. He will add sound management advice and stability to the board. "I'm not here because I'm an avid Rugby League fan but I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing in an industry that is populated sometimes by too much enthusiasm for the sport." "This move is completely against my normal instincts, but what I see here is an interesting management challenge." "It is a business as well as game, and it is not to be sneered at as a business. If the club succeeds, then it will succeed through good management as well as good results on the pitch. These go hand in hand." |
Norman Summers - Greenalls |
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Norman is Greenalls representative on the takeover and sees a good future for the club. Originally from Scotland Norman is excited about the potential for the Wolves. "We (Greenalls) have a long history of involvement with the club. In recent years we have been supporters of the club." "In 1997 the club approached us indicating they were in trouble and were looking for some support. We gave them that support principally by the way of advice on the ongoing management of the club to try and bring a bit of stability." "At that time we recognised the only way forward was to effectively revigorate the club by bringing in new partnership to take the club forward. Our continmued involvement is a reflection of the long standing connections." |
Simon Moran - Concert Promoter |
Simon is a life long supporter of the club and has never forgotten his roots. A former pupil of Woolston High School, Simon still lives and works in the area running a very successful promotion company. Simons company, SJM Concerts, handles and manages such names as M People, Beautiful South and The Sea Horses. His company was also responsible for the 'Party in the Park' recently held at Victoria Park. |
The joint Greenalls-Borough Council consortium takeover bid for the Warrington Wolves has been completed. The consortium is joined by a local businessman, Mr. Holroyd, and an as yet named pop promoter.
At a board meeting today the current board resigned and handed over their shares and the reigns of the club to the new consortium. The deal was sealed this evening at Greenalls with between the major players, at the same time the Council will sign a contract to purchase the clubs current dwelling.
The deal has been a long time coming and brings new hope for a sucessful 1999 season for the club which has seen troubled times both on and off the pitch for the last couple of years. As part of the deal coach Darryl van De Velde has agreed a new three year contract that will see him at the club until 2002.
More details will be posted when they become available.
Brendon Tuuta has been snapped up by his old club Featherstone Rovers on a one-year deal. The former Castelford and Warrington player returns to the club he first joined when moving to the UK and is a firm fan favoutite.
Former pack man Paul Cullen has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at Warrington as Coach of the under-21 side, and assistant to Darryl van De Velde. Up until now Cullen has still been signed as a playerand the move sures up the future of the Wire favourite. Cullen will be joined by current first team winger Mark Forster as his assistant for the new under-21 competition in the coming season.
Transfer listed forward Mike Wainwright has agreed terms and signed a one-year deal with the Wolves. Wainwright is on the transfer list for £75,000 and has been linked with several clubs as part of a player swap deal. The Wolves are currently looking to add extra bite to the pack and keeping Wainwright will add to the depth of the squad
The Wolves renewal night for season ticket holders went down well with a good crowd of supporters signing up to support the Wolves next season. Season tickets are now on sale at the club shop in the Cockhedge Centre and at the ground shop at Wilderspool. At the gathering was new signing Dean Hangar, along with the 1999 Wolves kit on display.
Centre Chris Rudd has sealed his future with the Wolves by signing a 3 year deal. The once part-time player has accepted full-time terms. Rudd, along with fellow Cumbrian Gary Chambers, is currently enjoying a benefit season for 10 years loyalty to the club.
28 year old utility back Dean Hangar has agreed terms with the club and signed up for the next Super League campaign. Hangar, a regular in the Huddersfield Giants side last season, is happy to play either wing or centre and should add extra strength to the Wolves three-quarter line.
The Australian doesn't count towards the Wolves overseas quota as he has played in Britain for more than five years. Originally Hangar had signed for Wigan after taking two years out of the game to recover from a broken back. During his time at Central park he had a stint in the A team, living with Coach John Monie, before moving onto Leigh then Super League rivals Huddersfield Giants.
Hangar said of the Wolves: "Warrington were unlucky with injuries last year and although there isn't a big squad here, there is plenty of quality."
"People are talking about pushing for the top five next year and with the team Darryl is putting together I can believe it."
The Wolves will launch their season ticket drive on Wednesday 2nd December in the Touchdown club at Wilderspool. Supporters will have a chance to meet old and new players alike whilst they sign up for next years extended season of 15 home matches. Purchasing a season ticket early will add to the strength of Darryl van De Veldes buying power whilst the club is moving through the take-over process.
Chief Executive John Smith told the Warrington Guardian, "The consortium has made a commitment, Darryl has made a commitment and now we need the supporters to do the same."
Adult and Vice President tickets purchased before January 30th will receive a £10 gift voucher.
| Ground Adult | £108 |
| Ground Concession | £60 |
| Bevan Stand Adult | £156 |
| Vice-President | £264 |
| Bevan Stand Concession | £84 |
| Ground Wolf Pack (up to 16) | £15 |
| Family Stand Wolf Pack | £30 |
| Bevan Wolf Pack | £35 |
| Ground Ex-Wolf Pack | £30 |
| Bevan Family Ticket | £240 plus £15 per child |
Concensions are for Full time students & OAPs. Wolf Pack members must be 16 or younger. Family tickets are for two adults.
After January 30th all non-renewed seats will go on open sale.
28 year-old former Cantebury Bulldogs captain Simon Gillies has finally signed for the Wolves. Gillies, a ten year veteran of the Bulldogs, was originally approached but had to decline the offer due to the ill health of his wife Narelle.
Gillies, or Krusty as he's known, was a member of the 1995 Winfield Cup Grand Final winning Bulldogs side that beat Manly, under the captaincy of the great Terry Lamb. Gillies took the club captain mantle the next season and has been a great example of dedication and loyalty since. The second rower topped the Bulldogs tackling list last season and is known for his hard work in attack as well as defence.
Last year he represented New South Wales in the Super League Tri-series tournament under coach Tim Sheens, acquitting himself admirably. The year before he had the honour of being picked by Mal Meninga to represent Australia in the World 9's.
Gillies is a fine example of a non-nonsense forward that never takes a backward step, his signing will sure a pack that is sure to be a real hit with fans, but maybe not so for opposing sides. This signing completes the Wolves overseas roster of Farrar, Nutley, Wilson and Kohe-Love.
Veteran Winger, and currently the longest serving player for the Wolves, Mark Forster has agreed a one-year deal with the club. The deal will see Forster take up an assistant coaching role under Paul Cullen for the new under-21 league that is due to start next year.
The 33 year-old, who has already notched up 18 years with the club said, "I've been involved with the club for so long now that it's part of the family."
"It's a great club with a long history and great fans. Why would I want to walk away from that? I've always found new challenges to keep me excited there and that's still the case today with the coaching as well as the playing."
Mark has also recently opened a new sports shop in Latchford village, called 'Fozzies Sportswear'.
Wolves Fullback Lee Penny impressed watchers of the recent Scotland-Ireland clash Penny, along with team mates Mike Wainwright, Jason Roach and John Duffy wore the blue of Scotland, whilst opposing them was long serving Mark Forster.
25 year old Australian centre Michael Eager has quit Wilderspool to join Yorkshire side Castleford Tigers on a 12 month contract. Eager, who played 26 matches and scored 6 tries for the Wolves, was thought to have turned down a contract extension in favour of the more lucrative offer from the Tigers.
The Wolves are thought to in the markey for Dean Hangar, who has agreed terms but has yet to sign and commit.
Leader of the local councl, John Gartside, confirmed that the deal to purchase Wilderpsool Stadium is nearly complete.
"We are hoping to acquire the land by the end of the month and in effect the money will be handed over by the end of the month."
The £1m will mean that the Wolves will finally be able to relieve most of the crippling debt that has acrued over the years. Ameeting between the concerned parties took place this week to hammer out the final conditions for the club leasing the site for the next few years. The amount was said to be merely a 'peppercorn rent' and one that the club could easily afford.
Wolves coach Darryl Van de Velde has returned to Wilderspool and is eager to get down to sorting out his squad for the forthcoming season. Rumour was rife that Van de Velde wouldn't be returning to Warington but a new deal with the Council to purchase the ground and build a new stadium assured the coach that all was looking better for next season.
A new consortium for the Wolves was revealed this week, Club Sponsors Greenalls, Warrington Borough Council and an as yet to be named mystery individual are set to take over the mantle at Wilderspool. They will effectively form a holding company to run the club. the day-to-day management being done by executives and officers of the club. A new Chief Executive and Chairman will also be appointed. Speculation is that former Chairman of the Labour Party and long time former Warrington MP Doug Doyle will take the role. Present Chief Executive John Smith is due to retire in the next two years and will remain with the club to deal specifically with the new stadium.
Smith told the Warrington Guardian, "In two years time we expect the stadium project to be under construction. We don't excpect to be in Wilderspool more than three years down the line. Our target is to be back competing in the top five next year."
A price of nearly £1m for the sale of Wilderspool Stadium has been agred upon by the local council. A meeting between councillors, the club and sponsors Greenalls took place and the outcome was thought to be very positive.
Leader of the local council and Wolves fan Clr. John Gartside said, "We had a very positive meeting with the club and their sponsors Greenalls on Tuesday. People need to feel reassured about how things are moving and I can say that everything is proceeding nicely."
He continued: "It is now all about legal niceties and due diligence. If you compare it to buying a house we are at the point of carrying out the land searches and that kind of detail, only this is more complicated."
"It doesn't completley wipe out the debt, but it is not far off. It will leave the club in a sustainable position."
Former Consortium member Emerson-Jones have been reported as still being interested in playing a part in the proposed new stadium. Rumours abound that the site will be in north Warrington, a favoured re-development for the local council, and that the old Burtonwoord Airbase is near the top of the list.
It is being speculated that a golf course and hotel/leisure facility will be part of the overall site package that the company were due to draw up plans for.
The proposed take-over by the Martin Dawes-Greenalls-Emerson consortium fell through last week, much to the surprise and shock of all at the club. The proposed consortium were thought to want to invest a considerable sum in the club to clear the previous debts and setup a new financial structure to enable the club to move ahead. It's thought that Warrington based communications company Martin Dawes pulled out due to their planned expansion in the telecommunications market. Next to follow were civil engineers and construction company Emersons-Jones Homes, leaving just club sponsors Greenalls ready to back the club.
Warrington Borough Council have moved quickly to publicly support the club, and have proposed to purchase Wilderspool, home to Warrington Rugby League for more than a century, for approximately £1 million. They are also now publicly commited to the new stadium they are partnering the club with. The Council wants to keep Super League in Warrington and a new sports complex and stadium are the way ahead.
Chief Executive John Smith said, "(this decision) strengthens our drive for a new stadium."
"It is a setback and the takeover is now dead and buried."
"But Greenalls are still our main sponsors and we have agreed to sell our ground to the local council for more than £1m to secure our future."
"That deal is almost certain to go through to ensure we can build for the future and and become a Super League force."
The Wolves transfer list grew by two places with the inclusion of loose forward Mike Wainwright at £75,000 and teenage prop Warren Stevens at £45,000. 23 year old Wainwright has been one of the few players to have played in all games for the Wolves this season has been unable to agree terms with the club.
The clearout, starting with John Duffy, took place before Darryl Van de Velde jetted back to Australia for three weeks for a break and a chance to sound out possible replacements for his new squad.
International Scrum-half John Duffy has been transfer listed by the club. 18 year old Duffy, who recently represented Scotland against Ireland, has been listed for a bargain £25,000.
Speculation and rumuor is rife in the Rugby League press that the Wolves are looking at Wigan Warrior Terry O'Connor to join the squad for next season. O'Connor still has three years still to run on his contract with Wigan, but the Warriors are looking to decrease their wage bill and maybe Terry and his current club are open to offers... who knows?!
Impressive academy and first tem player Dave Highton has been named in Mike Gregory's 22 man Great Britain Academy squad to face their French counterparts as a curtain raiser to the first Great Britain test match on October 31st. A return match at Perpignan on November 11th, before the Scotland-France match, is also to be staged.
Prop forward Gary Chambers, who is currently enjoying a testamonial season with Chris Rudd, has signed a new deal that will see him through until the end of next season. "Gary has been a tower of strength in the forwards this season, and deserves his new deal", commented the Wolves coach.
Also looking for new deals are Mark Forster, Mike Eager, Mike Pechey, Mike Wainwright, part-timer Chris Rudd and Danny Whittle. Decsions and talks will continue over the next few weeks.
Forward Steve McCurrie was adjudged to have 'No case to answer' at the RFL Disciplinary Hearing on Monday. McCurrie had been put on report for a high tackle on Jason Robinson on Sunday. McCurries action was adjudged to have been reactionary and no malice or pre-meditation was intended.
Warrington has announced it's last signing of SL III and its first of SL IV!
Stand-off Scott Wilson has signed a one-year deal with the Wolves and is ready for his baptism of fire against Wigan this Sunday. The 27 year old australian joins from a short stint with the NRL Grand Finalists Cantebury Bulldogs, though he's been a journeyman having also played for South Sydney, Perth Reds and North Sydney.
Wilson has showed his class on a larger scale too having played for Cantebury in their 1994 Grand Final as well as being, and playing as, reserve stand-off to Laurie Daly for New South Wales in the Super League Tri-Series last year.
A direct replacment for Adam Doyle, Wilson will add speed and strength to the squads back line this weekend, "I'm looking forward to the Wigan game - if you're going to play, then you might as well play the best so it's a good place to start.", commented Wilson.
His speed and experience will be much needed assets for the Wolves next season, "I like running with the ball and putting guys through gaps. I enjoy seeing what I can do with the ball. That's the job Darryl has brought me over for."
Another great boost to the Wolves this week is that Danny Nutley has re-signed for another year. The strong running and hard working front rower has impressed fans and players alike, as well as impressing other teams. London Broncos and the Gold Coast Giants were both after Nutley's signature, with the Broncos offering a big contract.
"We've got to give credit to Danny because he knocked back a much bigger offer to go to London. He has shown loyalty to the club and I know he'll be rewarded next year because he's that type of player - he's just a great competitor", said Coach Van de Velde.
It has been conformed that both Lee Penny and Steve McCurrie have finally put pen to paper and signed new three year deals that will keep the pair at the club until the end of Super League VI.
Interest in both players from other SL clubs was seen off as deals were completed. Both players are though to be very happy with the club and impressed with the plans for the new consortium.
Club Captain Danny Farrar and veteran winger Mark Forster have also signed one year deals with the club.
"He's done a sound job for us and are pleased he's agreed to stay with the club.", "Marks still doing the job we want him to on the park, and while he's still doing that we want him in the side"
Vince Fawcett, one of the many early closed season buys, has parted company with the Wolves. The split is thought to be amicable as Fawcett is looking for a regular first team spot which hasn't been forthcoming for the centre this season.
Fawcett, signed from the Oldham Bears, is now available ona free transfer.
International fullback Lee Penny is though to have has assured his future and signed a new three year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2001. Lee has played exceptionally well this season and more than deserves the offer of this new contract.
Meanwhile Steve Mccurrie is still to enter talks with the club about an new contract. The big forward, and former Widnes player, was signed from Bedford RU club. McCurrie is thought to be happy at the club and is looking to stay.
"I'd like to stay at Warrington. I love the club and the fans, and I like Darryl Van de Velde a lot. I hope he stays with Warrington", McCurrie told League Express.
Wolves Chief Executive John Smith commented, "We shall be talking to him soon about a new contract".
Danny Nutley is another Wolf causing a stir, with several clubs looking for the hard working forwards signature. The club are currently in discussions with the Australian props agent.
"We want Danny to stay, and we're trying to tie down a deal now.", said Coach Van de Velde.
Former Warrington Captain and winner of 2 Challenge Cup Final medals Bill Shankland passed away on 8th September 1998. Two days earlier Shankland had taken part in the centenary celebrations at Wilderspool, and at 91, was easily the oldest surviving player.
Coach Darryl Van de Velde will commit his future to the Wolves if the plan for a new consortium goes ahead as planned. The new consortium will give the coach increased and much needed spending power for the forthcoming seasons to sure up the squad and put his 3 year plan into action.
"I want to make sure the deal is done and dusted before committing myself", said Van de Velde.
In a momentous decision fo the club the current board, chaired for the last 15 years by Peter Higham, are to step aside and make way for a new consortium. It was revealed yesterday that the consortium, which is though to include Peter Grenall, is to invest heavily in the club and especially a new stadium. A formal press conference will be held in a week or two and more details will be given then.
"Full details will be announced in the next few weeks but the deal will bring financial stability to the club and money is already being made available for team strengthening", said Wolves Chief Executive John Smith. "The consortium is now in place. They have agreed to put money into place and they will take over from the current directors."
"The consortium see a new stadium as an integral part of the takeover."
"On the back of money now being in place authorisation has been given to Darryl Van de Velde to strengthen the team for next season.", Mr Smith concluded.
Things are finally starting to come good for the Wolves, so lets be there for them and help celebrate the 100 years at Wilderspool and this momentous occassion.
Australian stand off Adam Doyle, who recently suffered a knee ligament problem that saw an end to his season, has been released early by the club. Doyle hasn't had the best of luck after missing several games earlier in the season with injury.
The Wolves celebrate 100 years of playing at Wilderspool today. The club moved to the ground exactly 100 years to the day in 1898 after moving, for the fourth time in about as many years.
As part of the celebrations the club has organised the following activities:
The club has asked all supporters to make a special effort for day by making banners and flags and coming dressed in as victorian supporters, or simply wear an old Warrington from seasons past. So come on, make a day of it!
Rumuors that Her Majesty the Queen is to send a telegram to the ground on its 100th birthday are said to be unfounded ;-)
Forward Steve McCurrie is thought to be having talks with the club about a contract for next year. The former Great Britain International was signed from Bedord Rugby Union club at the start of the season and has been a mainstay of the Wolves pack with some good running and handling.
It is thought that the club will offer an extension to his current one year contract.
Wolves Australian centre Michael Eager was cleared to play against Hull Sharks on Sunday after a ground breaking disciplinary hearing at Redhall.
Eager was sent off against Castleford for a high tackle on Jason Critchley at the weekend, but after watching a slow motion replay of the event and a stout defence from assistant coach Paul Cullen the committee were satisfied that there was no malice intended. There verdict was SOS (Sending Off Sufficient).
History was made when the workings of the disciplinary panel were thrown open for the Press for the first time, after the Eager had no objection, with Sky TV cameras also capturing the hearing on film.
Just when you thought things couldn't get worse.... Ever present workhorse forward Danny Nutley may have broken a bone in his hand. Mark Forster strained an ankle whilst skipper Danny Farrar twisted his knee.
Ian Knott, who made his first appearance back after a hamstring injury now has a knee problem. Warren Stevens was carried from the field with a knock to the ankle.
Do we have any fit players left......
The Wolves veteran Winger, Mark Forster, started negotiations with the club this week for an extension to his playing contract. 33 year old Forster, who's been with the club since signing from Woolston Rovers in 1981, has been in talks with Darryl Van de Velde said "I`ve been told there is a contract for me if I want it".
"I`ve been with Warrington for 18 years and I suppose it is too late to change.", though the veteran hasn't fully ruled out a move at this stage.
Kiwi centre Toa Kohe-Love has had to put a knee operation on hold and fly back home after the sad news that his father had died in a freak boating accident.
Our sympathy goes out to Toa and his family at this time.
Wolves first choice Fullback Lee Penny has opened negotiations for a new contract. His current contract only runs until the end of the season and Penny is thought to be seeking an improvement in his terms.
The former Great Britain Academy player turns 24 next month and will be eligible for a free transfer under the Bosman ruling if an acceptable deal can't sought. Other clubs that are said to have a keen interest in proceedings include London Broncos and a number of first division sides.
The Wolves have signed powerful centre Mike Pechey on a short term contract, due to injury troubles with the squad. Pechey will add size and strength to a Wolves squad that is reeling from injuries at the moment.
The Australian has been trialled for Bradford since returning to League from Bedford RU club.
The Wolves have yet another pair of players sidelined for the rest of the season, bringing the tally to almost double figures.
Emerging England prop broke his arm in the match against Halifax, as he joined fellow team mate and stand off Adam Doyle in a trip to the local casualty. Doyle, who was getting back to full fitness after an earlier injury, damaged knee ligaments in the weekend clash.
Coach Van de Velde was forced to throw Academy fullback Will Cowell in a the deep end on Sunday, the young back played well but couldn't stop the onslaught of the overpowering Blue Sox attack.
Welsh scrum half Lee Briers met his fellow English team mate Mark Hilton in a return to international Rugby for the two nations. Wales met, and were beaten by, an Emerging England team at the Autoquest stadium in Widnes today. Both were very impressive, with Briers looking every inch a contender for the GB scrum half spot.
Chris Morley who was also chosen to play was not available due to injury
Academy scrum half John Duffy joins Lee Penny, Mike Wainwright and Jason Roach to be named for the Scotland squad to play in a home nations tournament.
Lee Briers and Mark Hilton are set play against each other in the forthcoming match between Wales and Emerging England at Widnes in a weeks time
Warrington travel to top placed club Wigan this weekend and face an up hill battle through injury. The Warriors are eager to consolidate their position as league leaders, whilst the Wolves are gunning for a top five play off place. Lee Briers will take a late fitness test, Van de Velde has left the decision whether to play or not up to the young half back.
"I've told Lee Briers it's his call. I don't make anyone play. He's been recovering well but we don't know if it's too soon yet.", Van de Velde told the Warrington Guardian.
It is likely that Toa Kohe-Love will slot into the stand off role and Eager will take his place at centre. Other worries are Ian Knott who has a hamstring strain, Chris Causey or Chris Morley are likely to step into that position.
The Warriors are also having to give Tony Smith a late fitness test, with Jason Robinson ready to step in at scrum half.
In an Extraordinary General Meeting the shareholders unanimously agreed to increase the share capital from 300,000 to 600,000.
"This is a step along the way to raising new finance for the club", said John Smith.
A meeting is to take place next week with Warrington Council to discuss the proposed new ground.
The Wolves have rejected a £50,000 bid from Bradford Bulls for Great Britain tourist Jon Roper.
With a mass of injuries, and Roper obviously impressing the Yorkshire club after there defeat on Sunday, the Bulls put in the bid for the 22 year old cumbrian. Roper still has 18 months left on his contract with the Wolves, but this is the second time Bradford have made the club an offer.
Darryl Van de Velde said, "Jon had his best game for us in Sunday's win against Bradford and we don't have a big enough squad to let players of his ability leave."
Warrington have also been linked with former Widnes Vikings utility back Christian Tyrer. The 24 year old is currently a free agent and playing for Keighley Cougars, after having spent 18 months playing Union with Bath.
"Keighley want me to stay and have made me an offer which I am considering", Tyrer said. He is also linked with a move to Hull Sharks.
The Warrington Guardian is sponsoring the Wolves next home match against Challenge Cup Winners Sheffield. Free entry to the game for juniors will be available through a token in Fridays Guardian. The action will start early at 1pm when the high flying academy take on Wakefield.
The home match against Leeds on the 28th of this month is now going to be live on SKY. Kick-off is re-arranged for 6.35 pm.
Australian half back Adam Doyle will be out of action for the next 6 weeks, after having a groin operation today. The stand-off has apparently been carrying the injury for over six weeks, and it was originally hoped that it would be OK until summer break when an operation was scheduled.
This puts more pressure on the Wolves back line as Roper will keep his place at stand off and team up with the recently called up John Duffy, who steps in for Lee Briers whilst he is out.
Can the relatively inexperienced pair cope with the guile and style of their opposition partners, Robbie Paul and Shaun Edwards, on Sunday? Time will tell....
17 year old John Duffy will take over the teenage half back role from Lee Briers against Bradford on Sunday 7th June. Briers picked up a nasty knee injury against Huddersfield and will be unable to play for at least 4 weeks.
Duffy picks up the role of first team scrum half that he left last year after badly breaking an ankle. Duffy is currently starring for the Wolves academy side and has shown his worth and skill, even though he has first team experience. He impressed last season with his accurate passing and confident style of play, even drawing praise from a short stint in the Auckland match in New Zealand.
Hopefully Briers will be fully fit soon and back fighting for his place, "It's a cruel blow but it could have been worse".
"It was originally feared I had also damaged my cartilage but x-rays have revealed only medial ligament damage"
Jon Roper and Mark Hilton have both been named in the emerging England squad to face the Welsh on July 19th at Widnes. Roper having previously toured with the GB squad last year and Mark Hilton having played for the GB U-21 team.
An extraordinary general meeting of the clubs shareholders has been called for June 16th. They will asked to vote on whether or not to increase the clubs shareholding capital from £300,000 to £600,000, by way of new 'A' shares worth £1 each.
This follows speculation that the brewing giants, and club sponsor, Greenalls are to take over at Wilderspool. John Smith confirmed to the Warrington Guardian that "It is true that Greenalls people are heavily involved in the club, they are our sponsors. As we have needed support, they have given it."
Mr Smith also refuted claims that he was to sacked on June 1st, "As far as I am aware I am still part of the plans and I do not know where the June 1st date comes from."
"Things are progressing behind the scenes and I have meetings scheduled beyond June 1st".
Adam Fogerty signed part-time terms with division 1 club Keighley Cougars. It is thought that Fogerty will see the season out unless a good acting role is found.
Wolves front row man and part-time actor Adam Fogerty has parted company with the club on Tuesday after only four matches. An explanation hasn't been forthcoming from either the club of Fogerty but Darryl Van de Velde said "He's retiring. It was a mutual agreement that we finish his contract immediately."
Fogerty has recently appeared in Emmerdale and is better known for his part in the Rugby League film "Under and Under".
Jon Roper has recovered well from his hamstring injury and is due to make his return in the match against Halifax Blue Sox this coming Sunday.
It is reported that the club has received offers to buy Jon from Bardford and Sheffield, though the Wolves are holding onto their Great Britain Tourist centre, certainly a talent they need at the moment.
Brendon Tuuta also returns after serving a one match ban for a high tackle against London Broncos. Brendons tough running and relentless tackling was missed against St Helens and he will be a welcome return.
The Wolves travel to Headingley on Sunday 5th to open their Super League 3 season against Leeds. Warrington will face a Leeds side captained by former Wolf and International stand-off Iestyn Harris. The Rhinos have a new coach in Graham Murray, who strngthens his side with Aussies Marc Glanville and Brad Godden.
"They've got a lot of players who have played at international level so they will be a formidable task for us. I believe we can go there and do the job."
This is 'Go to work' time now and time to show everyone what we have done in our pre-season work."
After Warringtons narrow win over Huddersfield on Sunday (22nd March), and the resulting nine injuries Darryl Van de Velde is looking to strengthen the Wolves. With the current salary cap the Wolves have limited resources and if Van de Velde wants a new member of the squad room must be made for them by a current member, though this will most likely com in the form of a loan.
Wigans Tongan forward Lee Hansen was approached but proved too costly and Barrow were looking for a transfer fee for loose forward Brett McDermott, who was also approached.
The Wolves Media and Marketing Manager, Dave Swanton, resigned and will join local rivals Wigan Warriors. Swanton was also Warringtons "Man on Mic", introducing the players and giving informationon matchdays. He recently re-launched a new look supporters club and introduced the Tom Hark song that is played after the Wolves score. His efforts will be missed.
Warrington are now without a Marketing manager after Stephen Cosgrove resigned last year.
Wolves coach Darryl Van de Velde announced that a bid from Bradford Bulls for cumbrian centre Jon Roper had been turned down by the club.
Speaking to the Warrington Guardian Van de Velde said, "I'm not prepared to let Jonny Roper go. We want to build a squad now. We want to keep the squad together. And anyway, the money offer was nothing near what we would have wanted so it's all over."
"I think Bradford were just testing the water, probably thinking we were struggling financially and so put us under pressure, offered peanuts and hoped the deal would come off."
Warrington Wolves will play away at Knowsley Road to reigning Challenge Cup champions St Helens on Sunday 1st March. With former Saints stars Fogerty, Morley and Briers up against Saints record forward signing and former Warrington star, Paul Scultorpe, the tie should make an interesting spectacle, as well as a good game.
Warrington are out to avenge mammoth scorelines put up against them by Saints in the past few years and with virtually a new team, and a much strengthened pack and fast back line, the Wilderspool men are looking good.
Kick off is scheduled for 1.45pm and will be televised on BBC's Sunday Grandstand.
Warrington Wolves unveiled their new kit, and a deal with local sports manufacturers New Balance worth £120,000 over three years. The home kit keeps the traditional primrose and blue, but moves away from the vertical strips used for the last few years.
The away kit is a total change, the design is the same as the home except for the colours: silevr and black!
The kit and colours are reminicent of American Footballs Oakland (L.A.) Raiders, who also wear the silver and black.
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