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Swann wings in to help Hornets

Mike Floyd
16/12/2005

EXCLUSIVE

HORNETS coach Darren Abram has his sights firmly set on the Law Cup match against Oldham which will be played at Spotland on Friday 20 January.

And he will have an extra pair of hands to help him prepare for the big match.

Abram has appointed former Hornets' favourite Willie Swann to the coaching staff to work alongside him and Shaun Gartland.

"I've appointed Willie Swann on the coaching staff," he said.

"I've known him for a long time, in fact since he came over and was at Warrington and I was at Rochdale and Oldham.

"He lives near me and I've bumped into him on the odd occasion. I coached him at Leigh and he's very thorough in what he does. He's works as a teacher and he's up to date with the latest techniques.

"When he was coaching Blackpool last season he visited Warrington and St Helens to assess their approach to training. He's very knowledgeable and he'll be a good addition to the team.

"He'll join Shaun Gartland and me and it's not a case of head coach, assistant one, assistant two.

"Everybody mucks into together, we'll sit down in training and during the season and exchange ideas. I'll ask them what their plans would be, who they would select and then vary it.

"The final decision is down to me, but I believe in working together as a team and letting Shaun and Willie have their input."

The Hornets boss, having played for both clubs, doesn't need reminding about the importance of the fixture to fans of both persuasions and added: "I've played in the Law Cup and I know how intense they are.

"The rivalry between both clubs has always been there and it will give the players something to aim for.

"I'll speak to the Oldham coach John Pendlebury about the number of players he wants to use.

"I'll be using as many players as I can to have a look at them. Players may play in various positions during the game, but it gives the coaching staff a chance to have a look at what we have got, and some of the structures we have in hand.

"I won't, though, be putting all my cards on the table."

The Law Cup match kicks off at 8pm. Admission is £12 adults, £8 concessions. And it's all-pay-on-the-night with gate money shared between the two clubs.