SalfordOnline

On Monday 16 December the Swinton Lions Supporters Trust met fans at Swinton British Legion on Cheetham Road, Swinton.

Chief Executive of Salford Red Devils confirmed to the Trust that Koukash planned to buyout Swinton Lions.

Proposals include building a new stadium in Swinton on the site of the former Ambrose Barlow High School

City Mayor Ian Stewart has agreed to meet the Trust this week to push things forward.

Tax debts of £17,000 have led to Swinton Rugby Football Club (Ltd) being made subject to a winding-up petition by HMRC.

It is understood there are also further debts of over £100,000.

It's a remarkably similar situation to the recent plight of near neighbours Salford, who found themselves on the edge of bankruptcy in October 2012 and subject to a winding-up petition after unpaid bills.

White knight Dr Marwan Koukash stepped in to save Salford City Reds, investing hundreds of thousands of pounds into the club, making marquee signings and changing the name of the club to Salford Red Devils.

Now it's been confirmed the Kuwaiti millionaire wants to do the same with Swinton Lions.

Serious cash flow problems mean it's possible the Kingston Press Championship side could fold entirely.

Former Head Coach Gary Chambers, who was appointed in March 2013, has apparently failed to agree a new deal with management and the Swinton will be looking for a new head coach for the 2013/4 season.

A skeleton playing squad of around 12 players has been assembled by last season’s assistant coaches Ian Watson and Marlon Billy.

Swinton's own ground Station Road was their home for 63 years from 1929. It hosted many important matches including rugby league internationals, but after the end of the 1992 season, and without consultation for fans, the land was sold to housebuilders to clear the club's debts.

The club has since played in multiple places including Gigg Lane in Bury and at Leigh Sports Village.

Kidd has told fans at previous meetings that he was "reasonably confident" that Swinton would start the 2013/4 season and the likely home venue would be Leigh Sports Village.

The Supporters Trust have asked the club to consider entering a legal agreement called a CVA, or company voluntary agreement, as this is favoured by the RFL and wouldn’t put the club’s license at risk.

Salford entered the same when they hit financial straits in 2012 before Koukash's takeover.

A change.org petition has now been set up with over 1000 signatures to support a new 'lions' den' stadium in Swinton.

Update: On Thursday 16 January 2014 Dr Koukash appeared before 200 Swinton Lions fans to reveal his plans for a new 3,000-seat stadium in the middle of Swinton.