Lions confirm coaching and backroom team
07 November 2023
Head Coach Alan Kilshaw brings in Darren Abram, Paul Anderson and Miles Greenwood
Ahead of our return to training this coming Thursday, we can now confirm the make-up of our new Head Coach Alan Kilshaw’s coaching and back-room team.
Appointed in the roles of Assistant Coach are Darren Abram and Paul Anderson, whilst Miles Greenwood joins us in the capacity of Head of Strength and Conditioning.
We are also extremely pleased to confirm that our fantastic pre-existing medical team, including physiotherapists Rachael Johnson and Sasha Cooke, together with doctors Joe Arthur and Ben Stride will remain in place. The legendary Norman Brown also remains as an invaluable member of our back-room staff, as does our kit man Chris Gettins. A special mention also for Dougie Owen, who will combine duties assisting both our first team in an S&C role, together with our Foundation, for which he is Head of Youth Development.
Stephen Johnson will continue in his multi-faceted role which assists the media team as well as the Board and coaching staff, and young Lewis Hart will stay on in a masseur role.
New appointees
Darren Abram – Assistant Coach
Darren had an extensive playing career, most notably with Rochdale, Oldham and Lancashire Lynx, but he also played a single game for the Lions back in season 1987/88. As a coach he won the National League Grand Final with Leigh Centurions, and was also in charge at Rochdale for a spell. He is the father of the Lions’ full-back, Dan Abram.
Upon his appointment Darren said, “I was honoured when Alan asked me to be a member of his coaching staff at the Lions. I have known Alan for many years, and in fact I actually coached him at Leigh Academy in one of my first coaching roles in the professional game. Alan has since developed into one of the game’s best young coaches, and lives and breathes rugby league. I have also seen over the past couple of seasons how passionate and hard working the Swinton Board, fans and sponsors are. With this continued passion from the directors, coaching staff, players, sponsors and fans we will be a united club, supporting each other, along what we hope will be a successful journey.”
Alan Kilshaw said of Darren, “Darren is someone who I have worked with informally for a few seasons now. He has been a valued mentor to me and always a great person to bounce ideas off. As soon as I accepted the Swinton job he was the first phone call I made as it was important for me to have someone of his knowledge and experience on board with me. He is very good both technically and tactically, and knows the competition inside out having coached at this level for a number of years. He also had a stint in Super League after getting Leigh promoted in a part-time environment. Obviously there is a family connection with Dan in the squad, so hopefully we can have a similar success to that enjoyed by the Clearys and the Lams!”
Paul Anderson – Assistant Coach
Also joining the club in an Assistant Coach capacity is Paul Anderson. Paul enjoyed an long playing career which began in 1995 with St Helens. After playing nearly 50 games for the Saints he then enjoyed success with his hometown club Leigh, for whom he played over 100 times as a forward between 1999 and 2002. He also had spells with Sheffield Eagles, Oldham, Rochdale and Blackpool Panthers. After his playing days ended, he then undertook an extensive coaching career with Leigh.
Following his appointment, Paul said, “I’m really looking forward to the 2024 season and working with the squad, staff and Board at Swinton Lions. It’s a club which is steeped in history and I believe there are exciting times ahead. Hopefully we can play a part in growing the fan base at this great club through our effort and performances on the field. I can’t wait to get started!”
Alan Kilshaw explained Paul’s credentials. He said “Paul is someone we identified after looking for someone who can come in and lead on our defence. He has held roles at Leigh and comes with some really good references. Myself and Darren went to meet him and it quickly became apparent that we were all connected on how we want the team to train and play. For me, it’s important to get people in who have been at different clubs and in different environments so we can all learn off each other. His experience and bringing that knowledge to Swinton can only have a positive impact on the club as a whole. He has recently had a small break away from coaching to develop in his role in education and to assist in the development of his son who is at St Helens academy, but he is now ready to get back into a role which is perfect timing for us.”
Miles Greenwood – Head of Strength and Conditioning (S&C)
During his playing career as a full-back or winger, Miles was a prolific scorer of tries at Halifax, Batley and his hometown club, Oldham. At the end of his playing days, Miles then set out to establish himself as a highly respected professional in the field of strength and conditioning.
After joining the Lions, Miles said, “I can’t wait to get started with the lads! The team that Alan has assembled has an exciting mix of experience and youth and I think we can challenge teams and cause some upsets. But it’s going to be tough, and we all know how competitive the league is. However it’s a challenge that the coaching staff and players are more than up for.”
Alan Kilshaw added, “I have worked with Miles previously at Rochdale and last season at Hunslet. Miles is excellent at what he does. He gets the group fit and strong and challenges them, but he also makes it highly enjoyable which is a huge part of training at semi-professional level. He gives players ownership for their own progress after setting initial standards which they all follow. I am really happy to bring Miles to the club as I know we have had some really good results together in the past with the groups we have worked with, and I’m confident we can continue that trend at Swinton.”
