McCormack expecting tough season

Steve McCormack has admitted that Swinton are in for a tough ride in the re-vamped Championship in 2013.

But the Lions coach reckons they will be fully prepared when the season kicks off against Workington Town on Sunday, February 3, at Leigh Sports Village.

The Championship has been restructured this season with 14 teams meaning the season will no longer start with the Northern Rail Cup.

That competition will kick in later in the season as a straight knockout after the Championship One clubs have competed in the preliminary rounds.

“The Championship is much stronger this season and there are no easy sides,” said McCormack.

“The increase in the number of teams can only make the Championship better.

“All four teams that have come up are top sides. There are three Cumbrian sides and they are always tough trips, while Doncaster have completely rebuilt their side over the last couple of years.

“It’s not long ago that Barrow won the Championship and all last season’s teams have strengthened.

“But we’ll be ready and we can’t wait to get going.”

Swinton face Workington at home, York away and grand final champions Sheffield at home in their first three games.

McCormack added: “They don’t come much tougher than Workington. They are well-coached by Paul Charlton and Martin Oglanby and we have always had a tough time against them when we have met over the last few years.

“They spent a bit of money over the last couple of seasons to get promotion and I’m glad we are playing them at home.

“York is always a tough place to go and it will be a tight game. Then we face the champions in Sheffield so all-in-all it’s a tough start but an exciting start and one we are all looking forward to.”