Browse Sections

• Salford City Reds
• Local football
• Local cricket

Kidd fails to boost squad

7/ 8/2008

PAUL Kidd failed in his bid to strengthen his Swinton Lions squad before the National League Two transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday night.

Swinton’s coach was hoping to bring in reinforcements as the Lions attempt to claw back a four-point deficit in the race for the play-offs. But he reports that players of the required quality were simply not available.

Kidd said: "I had a good look around but there was nothing going. It was frustrating but I am satisfied that we haven’t missed out on anyone."

There is better news on the injury front with second rower Darren Gibson and winger Barry Hamilton nearing returns from their respective shoulder and knee problems.

Both players could feature in ninth-placed Swinton’s trip to seventh-placed Rochdale Hornets on Sunday, August 10, kick-off 3pm.

And loose forward Craig Ashall looks set to return to action in the derby game after missing Swinton’s last few matches due to work commitments.

Kidd said: "We ended our seven-game losing streak against Hunslet at the weekend. We were desperate for that win and I have to praise the players for the way they responded to adversity.

"The lads never gave up and kept working while they were losing.

"I am confident of us kicking on now. But I can see the Rochdale game being very close and the fact is that our play-off chances are out of our hands.

"They are completely in the hands of Workington, who are four points ahead of us in eighth spot."

As a result, Kidd sees Swinton’s remaining three matches as ‘crucial, must-win games’.