Lions’ Lee Wingfield hangs up his boots

Swinton Lions’ Lee Wingfield has retired from the game with immediate effect.

Wingfield has stepped down from the Lions after struggling to juggle family life, work and his time with the Swinton squad. 

The 31-year old was planning to retire at the end of last season, but was convinced not to by Swinton coach Steve McCormack.

Wingfield has made only four appearances for the Lions this season.

He said: “It’s not as though I’ve fallen out of love with the game it’s just that my commitments make it impossible to give 100 per cent to Swinton.

“My son plays for Leigh Miners Rangers and I want to spend more time looking after his development. I have a commitment to my lad. I was juggling around with people to get him to training and it was not fair.

“I have my own business and I’m really busy at work.”

Steve McCormack is disappointed to see Wingfield leave the club, and admits he will be a big loss to the team. 

McCormack said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Lee. He is an absolute workhorse on the field and a complete gentleman off it.”

Wingfield has previously played for Oldham and Leigh.