Swinton Lions have confirmed that former Assistant Coach Allan Coleman, who was recently placed in temporary charge until the end of the current season, has now been formally appointed as Head Coach until at least the end of the 2022 campaign.

Before joining the Lions as Stuart Littler’s assistant ahead of the 2019 season, Allan had previously enjoyed a highly successful coaching career with Leigh Miners Rangers in the National Conference League, and has also enjoyed success with the England Community Lions.

Upon his official confirmation, Allan said: “I am very honoured to be asked to become Head Coach at Swinton Lions.

“I have loved my time here so far and I can’t wait to lead this great club.

“Firstly, I would like to thank the Board for giving me this opportunity, and also thank the players and staff who have been brilliant since I was initially asked to step up a few weeks ago. We now need to give the fans something to cheer about again and a team to be proud of, and that’s a main priority.

“The other top priority is to build a squad for 2022 and we already getting on with that. As the saying goes, ‘Once a Lion always a Lion’!”

Swinton Lions CEO Steve Wild said: “Allan’s confirmation as Head Coach was an easy decision for the Board to make.

1 day to go! @HalifaxPanthers vs Swinton Lions – kick off 3pm at the Shay Stadium. #originalLions🦁 pic.twitter.com/TXks9uQVjc

— Swinton Lions RLFC (@Swinton_Lions) August 28, 2021

“He has a great rapport with the players and staff, and not only has this been reflected in recent performances, but also on the training field.

“He’s honed his coaching career at the highest levels in the community game, including at international standard, and we have every confidence that he’ll now do a terrific job at semi-professional level with Swinton.

“Allan has been at the club for almost three years now, and as well as being a highly respected coach he understands and buys into the ethos of our club.

“Admittedly we’ve had a terrible year with injuries and as a consequence it looks like we’ll have to take a temporary step back before we can take two forward. But we remain a highly ambitious club and we believe Allan is the man to take us on the next exciting steps of our journey.

“There are some tough challenges ahead for all clubs, but at Swinton Lions we are aiming for a successful 2022 on the field, whilst continuing to enhance our profile off it.

“I think this will be a popular appointment with our fans, and I’m sure they’ll give Allan their 100% support.”