VIKINGS' chairman Tony Chambers has paved the way for Chester City Football Club chairman Stephen Vaughan to take over at Widnes Vikings Rugby League Club in what will be the biggest ever shake-up at Halton Stadium.

At the Vikings' annual meeting on Monday, the long-standing Widnes chairman revealed he is willing to step down and sell his controlling share to Vaughan - providing the soccer boss buys the 165,000 unissued shares over 12 months.

Chambers said: 'I have always said that if it needs me to step aside for the good of the club then that is what I will do. I joined the board because I wanted to help the club, as did the other directors at the time, and we have done as much as we can.

'We have been looking for someone with the financial clout and experience for many years. Stephen is an experienced boxing promoter and football chairman so he is into sport and it's positive to go forward.

'Stephen is now on the board after it was passed unanimously and he has bought an initial 25,000 shares.

'He will buy more shares over a period of 12 months and if he is happy, then he will take a controlling interest.

'I have agreed to that providing he buys the 165,000 shares - I'm looking forward to working with him.'

It is believed Vaughan would have the option to purchase Chambers' 200,000 shares en bloc and it now looks very likely Widnes will have a new chairman at the helm for the start of the 2007 season.

A delighted Vaughan said he is joining the club to restore the glory days at Widnes.

He said: 'I'm coming on the Widnes board to win things. I am here to generate funds for the club so that we can get back into Super League at the first attempt, which is the main priority.

'The money will be accelerated and then made available which could mean we can bring in some more players as I want to take the club to new heights.'

Chambers was extremely pleased with the reaction from fans and fellow shareholders.

He added: 'It's very exciting times for the club. There is a big buzz about the place at the moment.

'The shareholders were pleased with Stephen coming on board. Hopefully he will invest substantially into the club and also look at improving the training facilities and everything else.'

Also joining the board is lifelong Vikings fan Peter Knowles who has acquired 20,000 shares.

Chambers confirmed: 'Peter has invested £20,000 and is really committed to Widnes and has been for a long time. All this good news is needed after last season.'