SEASONED coach Anthony Murray is staying at Swinton Lions.

The 49-year-old who succeeded Paul Wood when he stood down in late March has along with his assistants Micky Higham and Alan Hadcroft signed a contract extension to the end of 2028.

Having finished 17th in the Championship, Swinton are seeking stability moving forward and see Murray (pictured), who started the year in charge of Whitehaven having previously coached Barrow Raiders, Workington Town, North Wales Crusaders (in two spells) and Gloucestershire All Golds, as a trusty hand at the tiller.

Chief executive Steve Wild said: “We have been extremely impressed with what Muzza has brought, not just in terms of results and performances, but in the way he inspires and drives his players and support staff with the highest of expectations.

“He has tremendous experience at this level and has rightly earned the respect of those who have played for him, as well as his peers in the coaching fraternity.

“He is a coach in the truest sense of the word – he makes players better.

“Muzza has very quickly embraced the history snd culture of our club. He understands where we sit at the moment in the pecking order, but like the board, he wants to help build something moving forward that we can all be proud of.

“To be able to do that we need a top coach in a stable environment with top people around him.

“Hopefully this contract agreement will give us that, particularly as the arrangement includes our assistant coaches Micky Higham and Alan Hadcroft.

“Micky, of course, is a legend in the sport, and his knowledge and experience are on a level most of us can only dream about.

“Alan has also come in and quickly made his mark, and is someone Muzza trusts implicitly.”