Ex-Warrington coach Cullen was appointed in March

Widnes coach Paul Cullen has attempted to play down supporters' expectations at the Stobart Stadium.

The Vikings are third in the Co-operative Championship after losing three of their last four matches.

"There's a misconception that we're a full-time club of Super League standard with Super League expectation," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"It couldn't be further from the truth. I've made that statement privately and I'm prepared to make it publicly."

Widnes narrowly missed out on a Super League franchise last July and are now trying to position themselves among the front runners for the next batch of licenses in 2011.

Following a disappointing start to this season, former coach Steve McCormack was replaced by Cullen in February.

We end up playing like we train - inconsistently Paul Cullen

Cullen believes the perception of Widnes and the actuality reality of the situation he finds himself in are poles apart.

"This club has nine full-time players and 18 part-time players and we can't train full-time as the 18 don't get here on a very regular basis," he added.

"We end up playing like we train - inconsistently. From one day to the next there are different players missing skill sessions and conditioning sessions because of their full-time work commitments."

Cullen says he is implementing changes to try to get Vikings' season back on track.

"I'm moved training back from daytime to night time, we're not training any less and I'm getting more players at training, so hopefully we'll benefit from that in the long term," he said.

You can hear coverage of Widnes Vikings v York on BBC Radio Merseyside 1485 am, DAB and at bbc.co.uk/liverpool from 1830 BST on 6 June.

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