CHAIRMAN’S CORNER
18 May 2018
Swinton Lions Chairman Andy Mazey returns in his monthly column to discuss the Lions’ ‘four cup finals’, the benefits of free attendance against Toulouse and provides a fresh development on the Agecroft project.
How crucial could the next four games be for the Lions? The Swinton Chairman spells it out.
“I’m not going to play it down, we have four cup finals in the weeks ahead. We all know exactly what these games mean to the club in terms of importance. Nobody is underestimating the challenge but I’m confident we can do what we need to do.”
Still seeking their first win of the season, the Lions face a crucial month of fixtures that could define the club’s season. Stuart Littler’s side host Barrow Raiders next, whom they earned their sole point this season against in April, before facing a double-header against local rivals Rochdale Hornets – once at the SummerBash – before rounding off with a trip to Sheffield Eagles in mid-June.
In the past month both the Eagles and the Hornets have picked up two valuable points in the Championship relegation battle to put pressure on the Lions, who sit the foot of the table.
“I’m not going to play it down, we have four cup finals in the weeks ahead. We all know exactly what these games mean to the club in terms of importance”
Swinton Lions Upcoming Championship Fixtures
Nowpast the midway stage of the regular season is the club preparing for life outside the Championship? Andy Mazey says the focus is purely on Barrow at the moment.
“We are preparing for Barrow and not looking past Sunday right now. Having said that it’s fair to say the next four games will ultimately define our season and the board and I along with Stuart, the staff and players are all fully aware of this.”
“I personally committed to this club last September because of the special efforts of Alan, Steve and the supporters prior to knowing which division we would be playing in this year. Hopefully this demonstrates to our loyal supporters that Championship One is by no means the be all and end all and while it’s the last thing we want to think about right now and going through the trap door would bring new challenges and further financial constraints, I believe we have the board, management structure, volunteers and people in place to move forward regardless.”
“The on-field targets haven’t changed, with the knock-on effect of last year’s financial disaster under previous management it was always going to be tough with well-documented budget constraints. Our goal always was survival and to be playing in the 2019 Championship competition.”
Despite the threat of relegation, the Swinton Chairman maintains the club is still on course to achieve its targets and will not face a similar perilous financial position should the worst happen and the club drop down to League 1.
“The on-field targets haven’t changed, with the knock-on effect of last year’s financial disaster under previous management it was always going to be tough with well-documented budget constraints. Our goal always was survival and to be playing in the 2019 Championship competition.”
“What I can say is the clubs future does not hinge on achieving this target and irrespective of what division we are in next season, off the field the plans remain the same and we shall continue to maintain progress and continue to rebuild this club on solid foundations.”
Understandably frustrated with recent performances, some of the Lions faithful have taken to social media to criticise certain players performances. Taking his Chairman’s ‘hat’ off, Andy weighs in on the recent condemnation of some of the current crop of Lions.
“The fans pay good money to watch the team and have a right to an opinion. All any of us expect and can ask is that the seventeen blokes who pull on our shirt on any given week show the same passion and pride as those on the other side of the touchline.”
“My message to the fans is simple, our season starts Sunday so please turn up in large numbers and really crank up the volume as you really can be the 18th man. It really does make a difference to the boys when they have everyone behind them and we are pulling in the same direction.”
NOTHING TOULOUSE WITH FREE ENTRY
In an effort to promote the club both locally and nationally, Andy launched a unique initiative for the Round 12 Championship fixture against Toulouse Olympique allowing free admittance to all at Heywood Road, a move praised by senior figures in the game.
“The publicity and press attention generated was unprecedented for this club. It should hopefully demonstrate we are fully committed to growing this club for the future while also doing our bit to showcase our great sport to new people.”
https://twitter.com/garethwalker/status/990146079147601920
“It’s fair to say we had a very encouraging response in terms of feedback and obviously the attendance on the day raised a few eyebrows throughout the sport. I received many complimentary messages from respected figures in the game including senior RFL officials and fellow Chairmen.”
A bumper crowd were in attendance at Heywood Road as the promotion-chasing French side flexed their muscles against the Lions, but the result aside, the Chairman was pleased with opportunity to promote the club, and an invaluable chance for data-capture to allow for improvements in communicating with the club’s fanbase.
“The data collection from this initiative is huge and gives us the opportunity to analysis exactly who attended and where they are came from. The data Richard Heyes, our Communications and Media Director has shared with the board really is fascinating.
“I also can’t praise the efforts of everyone highly enough especially the Supporters Trust and fantastic volunteers who operated a sustained poster and leaflet promotion across our duel communities of Swinton and Sale.”
Whilst the club took a financial hit covering the loss of gate receipts, engagement was high among the rugby league community in the build-up and their was a fresh buzz at Heywood in support of the initiative. Reflecting on the move, Andy doesn’t rule out the chance of similar opportunities in the future.
“We will continue to look at new ways and initiatives to increase our numbers moving forward that’s for sure.
“I also can’t praise the efforts of everyone highly enough especially the Supporters Trust and fantastic volunteers who operated a sustained poster and leaflet promotion across our duel communities of Swinton and Sale.”
Despite the incredible efforts of supporters to promote the club in the area local to Heywood, the club is still working hard to market itself in what is traditionally a rugby union stronghold. This is something Andy looked to address this week with the appointment of Sale-based businessman John Coyne to the board of Directors.
Coyne, a former professional footballer who is now a Commercial Director at leading retail technology company Venditan, will work with a particular focus on supporting commercial growth and also strategic development in the Sale and Altrincham area.
“John’s commercial expertise, network and drive will add great value to our commercial arm and we are delighted he has decided to join the team. To improve performance we must increase the amount of investment into the club and John’s appointment will be a key driver in this.”
AGECROFT UPDATE
It’s now seven months since the club announced a partnership with amateur football club Moorside Rangers to work on develop the Agecroft playing field site into a community sports facility and stadium, and the Lions Chairman is pleased to provide a positive update after a quiet few months.
“I have held further talks with Darren Kay who has now been appointed as the new Chairman of Moorside Rangers. The relationship between Darren and myself is strong and we are fully committed as leaders of our respective clubs to delivering a community facility that will not only enable Moorside to meet necessary criteria as they continue to climb the football pyramid but crucially enable us to return home to M27 while adding value to the community as a whole.
“Darren has invited myself and members of our dedicated project team over to Moorside Rangers club for further talks and following this we will then aim to put out a joint press release.”
Written by Chris Bell
