McCormack confident squad will be in good shape

Steve McCormack has assured Swinton fans that his squad will be in good shape for the start of the season in February.

The Lions have lost several key players in Adam Higson, Tom Armstrong, Dale Cunniffe, Mike Morrison and Alex Hurst and so far have just 16 players signed on.

But negotiations for several new players are advanced although no announcement is expected until January.

“We haven’t brought too many players in yet but that will change over the next few weeks or so,” said coach McCormack.

“We are in discussions over a few players and by the end of January I’m sure everybody will be very pleased with the make up of our squad.

“It’s taking a little while and I suppose we are in a unique situation. Normally we would have 26 players signed on but by the start of the season we’ll have a very good squad.”

Swinton have so far made five new signings in Andy Ballard, Josh Barlow, Dan Birkett, Liam Hulme and Kash Watkins.

They also have four triallist on board who will play in Ian Watson‘s testimonial against North Wales Crusaders at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, December 29 (1pm).

McCormack added: “The new lads are all settling in well. It’s always difficult when you come to a new team but we have always been a club that welcomes newcomers.

“It’s a good environment for them to come into. We know a few of them already.

“Liam Hulme and Dan Birkett have both come from Warrington and Josh Barlow has worked with me with the Scotland squad.

“Things are going really well at training, the facilities are superb and all the lads have bought in to the extra things we are doing.

“We have a conditioner now who has made a big impact.

“We’ve been training alongside some of the promising junior players ar Warrington and the first team are back in next week.

“All in all it couldn’t be working better.”