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Stevens in axe shock

14/ 2/2001

WARREN Stevens has been shown the door by Salford City Reds following an incident at a club function for players and staff.

The 23-year-old former Warrington prop was kicked out of The Willows yesterday (Wednesday) following a serious breach of club discipline - with the Super League season just three weeks away.

Reds' chief executive Dave Tarry told Advertiser Sport: "It is an internal disciplinary matter that has had to be brought to a head. It was a one-off incident that the club view very seriously and felt we did not have any alternative."

Stevens made seven substitute appearances for the Reds last season, and has represented Great Britain at u21 level.

The decision will come as a bitter blow to Reds' coach Steve McCormack's plans for Super League VII, as Stevens is reported to have been in fine form during pre-season training.

Steve told us: "The players have got to follow a code of conduct and Warren hasn't done that. It is a shame because he was figuring in the first team plans for this season but he had to face up to the consequences of what he did."

Although Stevens only left The Willows yesterday, local teams Leigh and Rochdale have already been linked with his services.

McCormack was more upbeat about his team's chances in the forthcoming season, despite their 19-6 defeat at Castleford last week.

He singled out the Tigers' Danny Orr as a thorn in Salford's side, but insisted there were plenty of plus points to take out of the Reds' cup exit.

He said: "The effort was there for all to see. We were bringing the ball away from our line well, and the rucking was much better than last season. Unfortunately you have to take your chances in the cup."

• REDS' stalwart Steve Blakeley will see a specialist surgeon this week after spending most of pre-season on the sidelines with a niggling groin injury. Last season's top tryscorer Francis Maloney and promising forward Andy Coley, however, are well on the road to recovery and are expected to be fully fit for the start of Super League.