Swinton Lions have made two more signings this week ahead of their opening Betfred Championship fixture this Friday against local rivals Oldham.
Swinton announced in a press release yesterday afternoon the signing of ‘highly promising youngster’ Dan Clare and a short-term loan deal with Leigh Centurions for Tom Spencer.
Having impressed in a recent trial at the club, Clare has agreed to join the Lions on a permanent basis and the 20-year-old will surely be desperate to impress his new head coach Stuart Littler as he settles into training.
Clare who has previously played for Shevington Sharks and Blackbrook clubs is highly regarded by Littler.
On the promising signing of Clare, Littler said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the permanent signing of Dan Clare who has been on trial with us for the past two months.
“Dan is a very likeable character who has fitted into our dressing room with ease.
“Dan has a robust frame for a centre and really has some speed to burn in open play. We are looking forward to working with him and seeing where that development leads us. I’m sure all the Swinton fans will be glad to see us add another quality youngster into our ever-developing squad!”
Speaking about joining his new team, Clare is excited to get going after enjoying his two-month trial with the club.
He said: “My short experience with the team has already been one of the best I’ve had in Rugby League and I’m really looking forward to getting out there and playing in this team with a great group of lads.”
Whilst Clare brings more youth to Swinton’s squad, Tom Spencer at the age of 30, brings experience and should slot straight into the first-team picture.
The initial two-month agreement could be extended if: “all progresses well for Tom and both clubs there may be an opportunity to extend the agreement.”
If that doesn’t materialise then Swinton will have a player who: “will add some extra forward power as we look ahead to the start of our Betfred Championship campaign.”
The prop is a former Wigan Warriors and London Broncos player and Swinton believe he will: “bring a wealth of experience to the Lions, who of course are looking to make it a league and cup double over our local rivals Oldham this coming Friday.”
Speaking about the second signing of the day, Littler said: “I am absolutely made up to be able to announce the loan signing of Tom Spencer from Leigh Centurions.
“Tom is a player that we know very well as he was a team mate of mine towards the back end of my playing career with Leigh.
“At the weekend we did it pretty tough with five regular first team players missing. If you then add in the injuries from the weekend’s game we are clearly travelling a little light on troops.
“Tom coming in adds some real size to our forward pack and will complement well with what we already have access to. After speaking to Tom I feel he comes to us with a point to prove and we will aim to get the best out of each other.”
Spencer is looking forward to getting some much-needed game time and being involved in the local rivalry this Friday against Oldham, a club he’s previously been on loan at.
He said: ““I’m keen to turn things around personally after missing out on selection through concussion protocol at Leigh, so this will provide the vital game time I need to get to where I want to be. But also it’s a chance from a broader point of view to be part of a derby game this week, and to join what I know to be a hardworking group from already being close mates with a lot of the Swinton team.
“I’ve previously played on loan for Oldham in this fixture in 2016 so I know how much of a rivalry it is and what it means to the players and fans. So for now I’m not looking further ahead than Friday where I hope to enjoy being part a good performance.”
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