Steve McCormack quits as Swinton coach

Steve McCormack has stepped down as head coach of Swinton Lions.

McCormack, who led the club to the Championship One title in his first season in charge in 2011, wants to spend more time with his family.

His father Jim, a forward with Oldham in the 60s and 70s, passed away last month.

“I have had two tremendous years at Swinton Lions and have been part of a special time at the club,” said McCormack. 

“The last few months have been a difficult time for my family and I feel as though it is important to take some time out of the game and spend some time with them. 

“I would like to place on record my thanks to everyone concerned with the club especially the fantastic supporters.”

Swinton have accepted McCormack’s resignation with regret saying in a statement: “Steve has made what he has admitted to be a difficult decision to take a break from coaching. 

“His decision has been based purely on family and domestic pressures and he feels that now is the time to devote more quality time with his family.

“The club totally accept Steve’s decision and will be ever grateful for his major contribution to our recent success in winning Championship One and avoiding the ‘relegation spots’ in the Championship in 2012.

“This has obviously come as a shock to the Club but we completely support Steve in his decision and will maintain the relationship that we have built up over the years.

“The club will make an announcement about the replacement as soon as all the options have been evaluated.”

McCormack, 40, is also head coach of Scotland and intends to continue that role into the World Cup later this year.

He became the youngest coach in Super League when he took charge of Salford aged 28 and was in charge at Widnes, Gateshead, Whitehaven and Barrow before joining the Lions.

Swinton finished eighth in the Championship last season and are second bottom this season after three defeats.