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Eat 'em Lions

29/11/2001

SWINTON Lions go back to their roots in more ways than one this Sunday, when they kick off their Northern Ford Premiership campaign against Oldham.

Not only is new coach Tony Humphries (pictured) preparing for a season which, he believes, will see the NFP step back a few years to regather some old values, but Swinton fans will have to pack themselves into old-fashioned terraces in a small stadium to see their heroes in action.

Local rivals Oldham, after their dispute with previous landlords Oldham Athletic FC, will be playing home matches at Hurst Cross, HQ of UniBond Division One side Ashton United FC.

But that's okay by the new man in charge of the Lions. Humphries, who saw his side for the first time in a 26-20 victory over Chorley Lynx on Sunday, is comfortable with the squad he has amassed.

Humphries was pleased with the Lions' first showing at Victory Park. "It looked good on Sunday. The dressing room was buzzing before and after the game and although it wasn't a great result, we won the game and everybody was happy with their own performances," he said.

The players he has attracted to Gigg Lane - the squad now numbers 35 - look to be a good blend of experience and youthful vigour. And Tony knows that they have got one important factor in common.

He said: "They know they can come to Swinton and put themselves in the shop window and, because we've not given them any contract money, we'd be fair to them if a Super League club did come in for them we would let them go."

After a close season filled with ground speculation, new cup competitions and no home derby clashes, most Lions fans will just be pleased to get on with it.