Swinton reveal new stadium plans

Swinton aim to move into a new home by May after revealing plans for a £3.5million stadium at Agecroft on the outskirts of Manchester are at an advanced stage.

The Championship 1 club today unveiled plans for a purpose-built stadium with a capacity of 4,000 to 5,000, with offices, a gym, a restaurant and conference facilities.

Chairman John Kidd said: "If the start date of January 1 can be achieved, it is hoped that the stadium would be finished no later than April 30 in which will hopefully be a first season in the Championship.

Swinton, who won six championships and lifted the Challenge Cup three times in their glory years, have played at Bury's Gigg Lane and Sedgley Park RUFC since moving out of their famous old Station Road ground in the 1980s and are currently sharing the Willows with Super League neighbours Salford, who will themselves move into a new stadium next season.

The Lions are currently unbeaten in Championship 1, six points clear of their nearest rivals, and firm favourites for promotion to the Championship.