Swinton Lions have announced Stuart Littler as the club’s new head coach.
Littler, who has served as Assistant Head Coach during the 2017 season, takes over from John Duffy who left the club yesterday. Jay Duffy will continue on Littler’s coaching staff.
Following a 12 year playing career with Salford Red Devils, Littler had spells at Leigh Centurions and Rochdale Hornets before joining the Lions in 2015. The former Ireland international announced his retirement from the game at the end of the 2016 season, ahead of taking up a coaching role at Heywood Road in 2017.
Upon becoming the new Lions Head coach, Littler told the Swinton website: “I am honoured to have been offered the role of Head coach at Swinton Lions. The departure of John has opened up an opportunity that I could not turn down.
📰 BREAKING | The club is delighted to announce Stuart Littler as Swinton Lions Head Coach with immediate effect.#ProudToBeBlue 🔵 âšªï¸ pic.twitter.com/A3YG8d30ET
— Swinton Lions RLFC (@Swinton_Lions) July 18, 2017
“John’s departure has shocked us all. I think everyone can see he is a great coach but he is also one of my best mates. The focus is now about us and how we progress with our season.
“We have dealt with lots of adversity in the last couple of weeks, but we are still here and have lots to fight for the role has come a little sooner than expected but anyone that knows me will know I aim to give my all in order to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
Club director Steve Wild added: ”Once it became known to the Board on Sunday evening that John had decided to accept an offer elsewhere, the intention was to act quickly to ensure stability and continuity at this critical point in the season.
“Following conversations within the club, it was decided to immediately appoint Stuart Littler to the position of Head Coach, working very closely alongside Jay Duffy. Stuart’s standing in the game is second to none, and we know that he will command the respect of the players and everyone else associated with the club.
“He will also be a very popular choice amongst our supporters. Stuart and Jay are fine coaches in their own right, and now everyone has to give them their full 100% backing as we aim to consolidate our place in the Championship.”
