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Watson back for title push

30/12/2004

LIONS' coach Paul Kidd has highlighted Ian Watson as the man to lead Swinton's promotion push.

The scrum-half has signed a two-year deal and Kidd expects the Welsh international to have a big influence on the National League Two club.

The Park Lane side reached the play-offs last term after finishing the regular season in fourth spot, but the coach hopes Watson will bring the experience required to take the Lions to the next level.

"Ian will definitely bring experience with him," said Kidd. "He has played Super League with Salford and Oldham and will give confidence to players around him. He's a great signing."

The half-back returns for his second spell with Swinton and will line-up against another of his former clubs on Sunday when the Lions take on Salford.

Kidd is eager his side avoid a repeat of the last time these two neighbours met; the Reds thrashed Swinton 72-0 in the Arriva Trains Cup in April 2003.

Kidd added: "Obviously it's important we don't have a result like that but what we're really looking for is how the players perform.

"We're using it as a trial game and will base selection for the first game of the season on this."

Dave Llewellyn (shoulder), Steve Warburton (knee), Hugh Thorpe (holiday) and Phil Cushion (work) will miss the trip to the Willows.