Swinton Lions have made a flying start to 2025, announcing the appointment of a new Chairman and reaffirming their commitment to a “One Club, One Vision” approach uniting their men’s and women’s teams, their Foundation and the wider community.
Andrew Unwin is the new Chair, a long-term backer of the Lions through his company, Camway Installations Ltd – and an even longer-term supporter.
“From standing on the terraces at Station Road as a 12-year-old with my mates, I never imagined I’d be taking on the role of Chairman,” he reflected.
“In fact, not only is it a massive honour, it’s also quite humbling, but I’m up for the challenge to help the club through its next chapter. I’m also very mindful of the rich heritage and history of Swinton Lions, which brings us to this position at the start of another New Year.
“We have a fantastic and enthusiastic Board, supported by staff and volunteers who are working collectively to push the club forward. I believe great strides have been made since our relegation only a few weeks ago, particularly with the arrival of new coaching and back-room staff, new players, a new club logo, exciting new playing kit etc. There’s plenty more to come, so please keep a check on our official media channels.
“Everyone can play their part in the future of the club and small actions can make a big difference. We want everyone to contribute, by becoming ambassadors for the club, speaking positively and respectfully about Swinton Lions, encouraging friends and family to attend both men’s and women’s matches, or even reaching out to businesses about potential sponsorship or advertising to help raise the profile of the club. Together we are much stronger!”
The Lions will kick off their 2025 campaign with a Betfred Challenge Cup Second Round tie on January 25 at Whitehaven – who are also their opponents in the first Betfred League One fixture of the season on February 23, this time at Heywood Road.
The weekend before that, they could face an early derby fixture at old rivals Rochdale Hornets in the second preliminary round of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup – as Swinton have been drawn away to the winners of the First Round tie between Hornets and Cornwall.
With another derby confirmed for Good Friday at the Crown Oil Arena, the Swinton-Rochdale rivalry looks likely to be a feature of a much stronger Betfred League One in 2025, with the competition expanding to 11 clubs following the introduction of Goole Vikings.
The Lions will be under new management following the appointment of the former Warrington Wolves and Great Britain prop Paul Wood (pictured above speaking to the former Sky Sports commentator Eddie Hemmings) as their new head coach.
“2025 marks an important chapter for the Lions,” Wood says. “As one club, we’re striving for excellence on and off the field. The players are focused, motivated, and ready to represent the pride and passion of Swinton.”
Paul Humphries, his counterpart with the Lionesses, added: “It’s inspiring to be part of a club where men’s and women’s teams work together towards the same goals. The Lionesses are determined to build on their progress, and we’re excited to contribute to the success of the One Club, One Vision philosophy.”
The Swinton Lions Foundation has made a number of commitments for 2025, including a renewed commitment to player development and team performance across both the Lions and Lionesses, and deepening engagement with the community through the Swinton Lions Foundation’s life-changing programmes.
In addition, the Lions long-serving Chief Executive Steve Wild is beginning a two-year term as one of the RFL’s Vice Presidents, alongside the former England international Danika Priim.
