Anthony Murray, who left Whitehaven earlier this month, has been appointed head coach at Swinton Lions.
He had been brought onto the Swinton backroom staff by Paul Wood who quit the head coaching role at the week-end after their 74-6 defeat at Doncaster.
The Lions have lost all seven games so far in the Championship conceding more points (336) than any other club.
Swinton still have to play Whitehaven home and away, but don’t meet Murray’s previous club Workington Town. They host Haven on Sunday, May 10 and visit the Ortus Rec on Sunday, July 12.
Announcing the appointment Swinton said: “Anthony is a hugely experienced player and coach with an extensive background across the professional game.
“He brings excellent Championship and League One pedigree having held coaching roles at clubs including Barrow, North Wales, Workington Town and Whitehaven and is widely regarded for his ability to develop competitive teams and drive performance within challenging environments.
“Anthony is a modern thinking coach with a clear philosophy and strong leadership qualities and the board is confident he will play a key role in taking the club forward and developing on its ambitions.”
Leigh-born Murray, 48, said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to coach Swinton Lions, a club with 16 years of proud tradition and representing the heart and passion of rugby league in the greater Manchester area.
“I am looking forward to building a team that reflects the core values of the club which have stood since 1866 and one that the players, staff and supporters can be proud of.”
