Mazey named new chairman at Lions

SWINTON have appointed former Leigh director Andy Mazey as new chairman as the Lions begin ‘emerging from the storm clouds’.

The club were threatened with extinction earlier in the year with debts believed to amount to more than £100,000, but a significant fundraising drive and a loan of £60,000 from Salford council have helped to secure its future.

Mazey is the nephew of former Swinton star Billy Davies and has a wealth of business experience as managing director of the SR Waite Group of electrical contractors.

“It is an absolute honour to become chairman of a club with such a rich heritage as Swinton Lions,” said Mazey.

“Since the extent of the club’s financial problems came to light, there have been some outstanding efforts from Swinton supporters.

“That level of passion and commitment to the club is ultimately what persuaded me that Swinton Lions is a club worth investing in, and one that can have a bright future.

“The focus now is to continue our recent efforts on and off the pitch to see out the 2017 season successfully, while developing a sustainable business model to move forward in the months and years ahead.”

The club also confirmed that with the financial situation now looking much brighter, plans are afoot to resume discussions with the council regarding the Agecroft Stadium project.

Mazey said: “We have a clear goal to get this club back home to M27 which will enable us to maximize our potential and fully re-engage the community of Swinton and Pendlebury and its young people - who are of course the Lions’ players, coaches and supporters of the future.”