Championship side set to honour their late player and club patron, Stan Laing

Championship side Swinton Lions have announced the sad passing of their former player and one of their biggest supporters, Stan Laing.

The Lions, who have just been promoted to the Championship, announced the sad news via their Twitter and website.

Everyone associated with Swinton Lions will be deeply saddened by news of the passing away of Stan Laing. Not only was he a former Lion himself, having played for the club in the late 60s and early 70s, he was also the Managing Director of our main club sponsor, @glossopcaravans. pic.twitter.com/NCQGviHvVX

— Swinton Lions RLFC (@Swinton_Lions) December 27, 2022

Alongside the announcement the club revealed plans to honour their former player, who represented the side throughout the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

Stan will always be remembered as a great friend and patron of our historic club , and our heartfelt condolences are extended to all of Stan’s family and many friends at this extremely sad time. A minute’s silence will be observed in memory of Stan at our next home match.

— Swinton Lions RLFC (@Swinton_Lions) December 27, 2022

Swinton will pay tribute to Stan during their next home match, the club have announced, with the Lions set to host Midlands Hurricanes in a pre-season friendly on 15th January 2023 at their home Heywood Road.

A minute’s silence will occur before kick-off to remember Stan and pay respect to the man who represented the club so brilliantly on and off the field.

The club were quick to pay respects to Stan’s services as a player but also the great work he did once he’d hung up the boots as he acted as managing director of the club’s main sponsor as well.

The finances from that sponsorship from Glossop Caravans, would no doubt have proved crucial for the Lions to finish second and go all the way in the playoffs to secure a return to the Championship during the 2022 season.

The club and the wider rugby league community send their well wishes and condolences to Stan’s family at this sad time.