Swinton coach backing Salford survival bid

Swinton coach Steve McCormack has called on the club’s fans to turn out in force for Sunday’s pre-season friendly against troubled rivals Salford.

The City Reds are the subject of a winding-up petition, with a hearing scheduled for January 7 – the day after the match at the Salford City Stadium (2pm).

Salford have already seen one friendly, against Leigh, called off, and there remains doubt over their ability to start the new Super League season, which they’re scheduled to start against Wigan on February 1.

So far, coach Phil Veivers has only been able to make one new signing, in the shape of St Helens back-rower Andrew Dixon, and has seen several of the club’s star players leave the club. Fans have launched a “Save Our Salford” campaign to raise money for the stricken club.

Swinton coach Steve McCormack, who has previously been in charge at Salford, believes the Lions should do everything they can to help their neighbours.

He said: “It’s sad to see the situation Salford are in and we should get behind them and give them all the support we can.

“Local rivalries are very important and games like these are always great occasions.

“It’s only a couple of seasons ago that Salford helped us out by letting us play at the Willows so I would ask every Swinton fan to turn up for this game.”

On the pitch, the Lions are set to field the same side that beat North Wales Crusaders 34-14 in last week’s Ian Watson Testimonial game.