Former Lion’s star proud to be named new head coach
NEW COACH HAD 12 YEARS AT SALFORD BEFORE PLAYING FOR LEIGH, ROCHDALE AND LIONS
STUART Littler is the new boss of Swinton Lions after John Duffy left the financiallystricken club to take charge at Featherstone.
It is a first head coach role for Littler, who enjoyed 12 years as a Salford Red Devil, and had stints with Leigh Centurions and Rochdale Hornets before ending his playing career with the Lions.
He has been serving as an assistant throughout the 2017 Kingstone Press Championship alongside Duffy’s younger brother, Jay, who will continue in this role on Littler’s coaching staff.
“I am honoured to have been offered the role of head coach at Swinton Lions,” said the former Ireland international.
“The departure of John opened up an opportunity that I could not turn down.
“John’s departure has shocked us all.
“I think everyone can see he is a great coach, but he is also one of my best mates.
“The focus is now about us and how we progress with our season.
“We have dealt with lots of adversity in the last couple of weeks, but we are still here and have lots to fight for.
“The role has come a little sooner than expected, but anyone who knows me will know I aim to give my all in order to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
Despite Swinton’s off-thefield
I am honoured to be offered the role of head coach at Swinton Lions Stuart Littler
woes – the club is required to raise around £100,000 to see out the season, and half of that by the end of the month – they have moved swiftly to replace Duffy, who was in charge for 97 competitive fixtures after taking on the role when Ian Watson left to become assistant boss at Salford. “Once it became known to the board on Sunday evening that John had decided to accept an offer elsewhere, the intention was to act quickly to ensure stability and continuity at this crucial point in the season,” explained club director Steve Wild. “Following conversations within the club, it was decided to immediately appoint Stuart Littler to the position of head coach, working very closely alongside Jay Duffy.
“Stuart’s standing in the game is second to none and we know that he will command the respect of the players and everyone else associated with the club.
“He will also be a very popular choice among our supporters.
“Stuart and Jay are fine coaches in their own right and now everyone has to give them their full 100 per cent backing as we aim to consolidate our position in the Championship.”
The new coaching team’s first outing will be this weekend’s crunch clash with Bradford at Odsal.
The Bulls are bottom of the table on zero points after starting the season with a 12-point penalty for going into administration.