Koukash in talks to save Swinton

Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash is in talks to save struggling Swinton, who are the subject of an HMRC winding-up petition for £17,000.

The Championship club are believed to have debts totalling more than £100,000, and they were dealt a further blow when talks over a new stadium development in Agecroft, which has been proposed for several years, broke down, amidst reports that the local council refused to back Swinton owner John Kidd.

The Swinton Lions‘ Supporters Trust held a meeting earlier this week and have asked the club to consider a CVA, a move that is favoured by the RFL.

At the meeting, it was confirmed by Salford CEO Martin Vickers that Koukash is considering a takeover, and his proposals include developments in Swinton town centre, including building a stadium on the site of the former Ambrose Barlow High School, and this is under discussions with the council.

Head coach Gary Chambers, brought in last season from Warrington, has since returned to the Wolves, and he is likely to be succeeded by Ian Watson, who along with Marlon Billy, has assembled a squad of 12 players for the new season.

The club is also hoping to retain its partnership with Warrington, which saw the likes of Lee Briers and Adrian Morley turn out for the Lions in 2013.