YORK Wasps' new caretaker coach Martin Flynn takes charge of his first game tomorrow admitting he would love to be offered the job full-time.

Flynn has been asked to take the reins until the end of the season following the departure of coach Lee Crooks.

And, despite facing a daunting task in the remaining two games, he believes he and the players have the chance to stake claims for next season.

The Wasps entertain Northern Ford Premiership big-guns Widnes in their last home game of the season tomorrow (ko 3pm) and then face a trip to champions Leigh next week.

Many pundits are tipping York to suffer record defeats, with the first three-figure score in NFP history being touted, but Flynn remains enthusiastic.

"It could not be two better games to have a go at it. There's nothing to lose," said the former Scarborough All Blacks coach, who will be assisted by club captain Alan Pallister

"We've got to put some pride into it, and maybe put down some markers for next season."

As for taking over full-time, he said: "I don't know what will happen. They're not appointing anyone for next season until finances are in place, and we will see how it goes. But I have ambitions in the game and that would be the next step up."

He quipped: "If we beat Widnes and Leigh, then who knows!"

The Wasps, in their most traumatic season ever, have suffered 17 consecutive defeats, culminating in last Sunday's 92-2 mauling by Featherstone.

They were slammed 90-6 at Widnes in February, when Crooks was forced to come out of retirement and with kit man Steve Harris and physio Pat Howdle named on the bench.

"The record of recent weeks is not good but we'll give it our best shot," said Flynn.

"I always look forward to coaching and will go into it with as much enthusiasm as I can."

Flynn, who had discussed the coaching situation with players following Crooks' departure on Thursday, admitted that he was surprised to be asked to take over.

"I talked with some of the players at training and said I would help out, but then yesterday (chief executive) Ann Garvey asked if I would take charge.

"Coming up from the Academy, I'm going into it cold and won't be able to do it on my own. I will be getting advice from Pally and the senior players. It will be a team effort."

Flynn should have prop Andy Hutchinson back after a one-match ban, while Widnes coach Neil Kelly will give fitness tests to half-back Richard Agar (thigh) and centre Jason Demetriou (ankle).

The Vikings, vying with Oldham for second spot, will include hooker Phil Cantillon, who has broken the world record for the number of tries by a forward in a season, his 42 touchdowns - including seven against York - being three more than the Wasps' league total.

Wasps' supporters' club are unable to complete their after-match presentation of awards following tomorrow's match due to 'circumstances beyond their control'.

Updated: 11:04 Saturday, June 23, 2001