Swinton chairman resigns as club awaits investment

John Kidd has resigned as chairman of Swinton Lions as the club prepares to welcome new investors to take them forward.

One of those new investors isn’t believed to be Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash, although he is in talks with the local council about the possible development of a 3,000-capacity stadium for the Lions on the St Ambrose Barlow site, and then taking ownership of the club.

Kidd, 66, said: “It has been a privilege to have led Swinton over the last eleven years or so and during that time I have enjoyed the Grand Final appearance, winning Championship One title in 2011 and establishing the club in the Championship.

“It has been difficult guiding a club with no home ground of its own and it has been a bitter disappointment that our dream of a new stadium at Agecroft has not been fulfilled.

“Now is the time to hand over the reigns to others to try and achieve the goal of bringing the club back within the Swinton boundary.”

The Swinton Lions Supporters Trust will also join the board and play an integral role in the future running of the club.

Former Wales international Ian Watson has been appointed player-coach with Marlon Billy as his assistant.

A squad of 15 players has so far been signed up and has been training for the last month in preparation for the new season which starts on February 16.

The club will continue its successful partnership with Super League club Warrington this season by using players under the dual-registration scheme and by sharing training facilities at their University of Chester base.