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Two new Lions

3/ 7/2008

SWINTON Lions coach Paul Kidd was hoping to bring in further reinforcements as the Advertiser went to press last night, Wednesday, July 2, after targeting a League One back row forward and a League Two back.

Kidd is ‘very hopeful’ of having both players on board for what he describes as the biggest week of Swinton’s season.

The Lions go into their double-header with Northern Rail Cup finalists Doncaster (Wednesday, July 9, kick-off 8pm) and London Skolars (Saturday, July 12, kick-off 5pm) on the back of a crushing 70-14 defeat at leaders Barrow.

And Kidd said: "I am trying to bring in two players, one of whom has a lot of experience at a high level. There is no guarantee that the signings will come off but I am very hopeful.

"Last week, I signed Adam Bowman, Dayne Donoghue and Paddy Flynn on loan from Widnes but the latter was soon recalled due to a player shortage at the Vikings. Prop Paul Raftery has also been recalled – by Barrow.

"Back rower or centre Donoghue was one of our better performers at Barrow and I’m sure he’ll go well for us.

"Centre Bowman was with us last season. He’s a good player with a lot of skill. He did not play for us on Sunday due to a sickness bug but he should be okay for our next game against Doncaster.

"That game will be the start of our biggest week of the season by far. I was not at all happy with the Barrow performance and it’s clear we have a lot to sort out both on and off the field.

"We have got to perform much better against a quality Doncaster side, even if they have got a cup final just days earlier.

"But the culprits for the Barrow performance may be sitting in the stands."

Prop Bruce Johnson has been suspended for the Doncaster game following his alleged dangerous tackle in Swinton’s recent defeat at Gateshead.

He will join Rick Jones (ankle), Chris Hull (hernia), Barry Hamilton (knee) and Chris Morley (knee) on the sidelines but hooker Phil Wood (work commitments), full back Wayne English (broken jaw) and prop Adam Bibey (knee) will all be available for selection having missed the Barrow horror show.