Former Lions and England international Stuart Spruce talks to FLAGSHIP'S Jim Richardson about his return to Widnes after signing a two-year contract.

STUART Spruce will don Vikings colours next season after signing a two-year contract with the club, but the former Lions and England star is under no illusions that Widnes' entrance into Super League will be an easy one.

The former Widnes full back told Flagship that it would be foolish to underestimate the step up in class between the Northern Ford Premiership and the higher league, but that it was important to remain ambitious.

Stuart said: "Super League is a massive step up. Every season the game becomes quicker as new training and fitness techniques come in to play.

"I believe that Huddersfield would wipe the floor with any of the teams in the Northern Ford Premiership and they are at the bottom of the Super League table. A lot will depend on new signings that the club makes and a lot will depend on the crowds that we get at the Auto Quest Stadium.

"When I played for Bradford we had the biggest crowds in the Super League and it was like having an extra man on the field. When the crowd gets behind you it gives you a real boost and can enhance the way you play.

"The size of the home crowds will directly affect the club's ability to sign new players. The more people who buy season tickets and come along to support the club, the more money the club will have to buy the quality players that we need to compete at this level. With a stadium like the one we have, we have to be looking at getting a full house for every home game.

"I think it would be too negative to go into the Super League season with survival as our only ambition. That just isn't good enough.

"Winning Super League is not a realistic ambition either. If we were to finish mid-table, that would be a massive season for the club."

Spruce put pen to paper earlier this month after passing a medical on a shoulder injury that has kept him out of action for three months, and has started his pre-season training.

Stuart added: "I feel fitter than ever. I saw the club doctors and physio and went to see a specialist about my shoulder and they confirmed that everything was Okay.

"I've started training again, doing general fitness work, weights and running. I have plenty of time now to prepare for the new season and will be ready when the Vikings start their training programme in October."