Widnes were promoted to the Evo-Stik for the first time in their history last year but despite harbouring play-off hopes could only muster a mid-table placing.

The Whites ended the campaign positively, however, and Towey believes everyone associated with the club will benefit from their maiden season at this level.

"I definitely feel proud to be involved with the club," he said when asked to reflect on the state of affairs at the Halton Stadium.

"It's just had its highest ever league finish and we can't take those things for granted.

"On the flip side, and I've said it since probably October, we could be doing better and we should be doing better. That's a thought I want to take into next season.

"I do also think what the club have learned and what me and (co-manager) Steve (Akrigg) have learned about Evo-Stik football bodes well moving forward and should kick us on next season."

Widnes' summer got off to the best possible start when star striker Ben Hodkinson committed his future for the new campaign at the beginning of the month.

Hodkinson netted 17 goals last term and will now remain at the Halton until June 2020.

Towey has since confirmed that talks with the rest of the squad are underway and largely positive.

"At this present time all but one who we want to be there has committed and we're still hopeful he'll be able to come to an agreement," the co-boss said.

"I think it's quite positive considering the season that we've had that we've had that commitment back."

When asked about potential incomings, Towey added: "They've got to come in and be better than what we've got.

"We've identified three, possibly four positions on the pitch that we need to bring in better than what we've already got.

"That's without finding anything else that's better or what we believe is better. So that's five maybe six players who could be coming in."