One relegated rugby league club have provided an update on their ongoing head coach hunt and their recruitment plans ahead of 2025.
Swinton Lions are the club in question after they saw head coach Alan Kilshaw offer his resignation following their shock relegation to League One.
The Lions had finished 12th in the Championship but with the restructuring in rugby league, they were tasked with facing League One play-off winners Hunslet, with the Yorkshire club landing the upset.
As such, Hunslet will be playing in the Championship in 2025 as the competition’s 13th team but Swinton drop down to League One to form an 11-team competition alongside other relegated sides Dewsbury Rams and Whitehaven.
Ironically, Kilshaw had left Hunslet for Swinton ahead of the 2024 season but he’d find himself bidding farewell to his job and to Swinton’s Championship status with the defeat against the Parksiders.
It had been confirmed that Swinton’s Board of Directors accepted Kilshaw’s resignation in the aftermath of the 22-20 loss.
Rugby League side provides head coach update
Credit: SWpix
Now, almost a week on from that departure, the Lions have provided fans with an update about the hunt for their next head coach.
A statement posted by the club read: “The search for our new Head Coach is progressing well and we have interviewed some strong candidates. More discussions with prospective candidates are planned during the coming week, and we aim to make an appointment as soon as possible.
“We’re also pleased with our ongoing player recruitment. Initial player announcements will take place next week, first including news of key player retentions, then with further exciting recruitment updates to follow.
“The Board appreciates the continued patience and support of our fans and we are looking forward to a positive 2025 season. Stay tuned for more details on a special club day prior to Christmas, which will include an open fans’ forum.
“Thank you for your support.”
There remains one game left in the domestic rugby league season with Wakefield Trinity hosting Toulouse Olympique tonight in the Championship Grand Final. The winner will earn a potentially crucial 0.25 points on the IMG grading system but perhaps more historic would be the fact that Wakefield would lift the treble after already securing the League Leaders Shield and the 1895 Cup.
