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3 weeks ago
06 October 2017
STUART LITTLER AGREES CONTRACT EXTENSION
The Swinton Lions Board is delighted to announce that Head Coach Stuart Littler has agreed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2019 season.
Stuart has impressed with his professionalism and man-management under extreme pressure following his appointment by the interim Board in mid-July. Despite the distraction of well publicised off-field problems, the Head Coach led the Lions to three victories in the final eight games of the season to secure the club’s Championship status for 2018. In his first game in charge Swinton won at Odsal against Bradford for the first time since 1957, and further successes were gained against Dewsbury and then critically against Oldham in the last home fixture. The Lions also suffered agonisingly narrow defeats against Rochdale Hornets, Sheffield Eagles and Toulouse during the same period.
The task now is to construct a squad which is capable of holding its own in the Championship, in the knowledge that Toronto will be adding an extra dimension to the competitiveness of the league in 2018. In terms of squad building it’s clear that Stuart commands great respect amongst the current group of players, many of whom will be committing to the Lions’ cause for next season. The coaching team are also currently deep in the process of addressing key areas of the team, and announcements regarding fresh captures will be made over the next few days.
This two-year deal is indicative of the club’s approach to sustainable forward planning, as well as confirmation that Stuart has the confidence and respect of the Board. We feel sure that the news will be welcomed by all Swinton fans, who will continue to give the coaching team and the players their 100% support into 2018 and beyond.
After agreeing his contract extension, a delighted Stuart Littler said, “I am both happy and excited to accept the role of head coach at Swinton Lions for the next 2 years. I feel the club is really starting to move in the right direction and I am already excited about the upcoming season. We have already started our planning process. The club have some great, genuine people involved and that goes from Board level to my staff, players and the fans. The history of this club is fantastic and over the next two years we intend to move this club forwards. Exciting times ahead. Come and join us on our exciting journey.”
Club chairman Andy Mazey added, “We are delighted Stuart has agreed a two year deal as he is a young and ambitious coach who has really bought into the new sustainable vision of Swinton Lions.”
Andy added: “Stuart is well respected in the game and has really impressed with his man management skills and his honesty in dealing with people and situations. The way he and his team dealt with adversity this year and performed under pressure meant that as a Board we were unanimous and in absolutely no doubt that he is the man for this club. The two year deal gives some stability and an opportunity to build something special together.”
He is likeable, professional and has the complete respect and support of the players and his backroom team which I think is evident by the way they have ground out the results for him this year when it really mattered.
