LIONS CONFIRM NEW DEAL WITH HEAD COACH ALLAN COLEMAN 

14 September 2022

Swinton Lions RLFC is delighted to have agreed a new two-year contract with Head Coach Allan Coleman. Allan joined the club as assistant coach in 2019, and took over from Stuart Littler towards the back end of the 2021 season. 

In his first full season in charge at Heywood Road, Allan has steered the club to a final position of second place behind big-spending Keighley in League 1, which has earned the Lions the possibility of two home play-off matches in which to secure an immediate return to the Championship. 

Prior to joining Swinton Allan had been heavily involved with Leigh Miners Rangers ARLFC, and his vast knowledge of the amateur game was put to very effective use only last week, when as coach of the England Community Lions Under 19s team, he steered his country to European Championship success. And this despite suffering a heart-breaking personal tragedy out in Italy. 

Lions CEO, Steve Wild, commented, “Allan is a quality coach in the truest sense of the word, in that he makes players better players. But more than that he has the total respect of those around him, be it his players, his staff, ourselves in the boardroom, or our wonderful volunteers and fans. Players want to play for Swinton Lions because of Allan, and that’s a wonderful testament in itself. 

“The game as a whole is going through period of change and uncertainty, but once the clouds clear, which is hopefully imminent, clubs such as ourselves will need stability. That is why we offered Allan a two-year deal. It’s an acknowledgment that whatever happens as this current campaign draws to a close, and whichever divisions we find ourselves playing in for seasons 2023 or 2024, we believe that Allan is absolutely the right man for Swinton Lions. Allan is a thoroughly decent bloke as well as being an excellent coach, and he buys in to the ethos of the club. He understands where we are, and he shares the Board’s ambition of where we want to be in terms of developing our brand on and off the field.” 

Upon signing his new contract, Allan commented, “I am so happy with the club offering me a new two-year deal and I cannot thank the Board enough. We are all on the same page and there is something special about the relationship. It works me, and I’m delighted that it works for the owners of the club. 

“Swinton Lions is a club I call home and I just love the place. It’s a special club with such rich history and tradition. However, I want to build something special here and make our own history. It may take time, but I feel that the Board is with me on this, and together we can achieve our ambitions and goals. 

“I’d like to thank all of my players and staff for their support and professionalism since I took over last year, and I‘d also like to thank our fans who have backed me since day one. I want to take this opportunity to urge Swinton supporters to really get behind us in the play-offs.”