Matty Ashton

The Swinton Lions Chairman Andy Mazey has said the following;

Quote: "We don’t normally comment on speculation or press stories but as Matty’s brother has pretty much confirmed the news I thought I would give our fans an update.

I’d imagine within 24 hours a statement will be made as all the paperwork and deal is being concluded today.

We where aware of a few SL clubs tracking Matty notably Leeds and Wigan but following Matty’s performance at Leigh last weekend things really gathered pace last week.

I took time out from my holidays to deal with the situation last Friday after a long day of negotiations I reached an agreement with Karl Fitzpatrick and Simon Moran giving permission for them to speak to Matty via his agent. It’s important to note that Warrington met our valuation of the player and I turned down a few offers which fell short. We will receive a sizeable transfer fee and also have locked in a lucrative pre season friendly with Warrington plus some other add on’s.

Also the Warrington deal means we do not lose him straight away and he will play out the season with us. The deal done once concluded will allow Stuart funds to strengthen other areas of the team and while I can’t name names we have already secured a replacement another very hot prospect and current Championship winger from a rival club to replace Matty who will likely be player of the year at his current club so as you can see the planning is in place to move the team as a whole on a Step next year despite losing an exciting young talent.

We can’t stand in the players way and it’s a dream move for the kid. Once we knew he wanted the move my job was to secure the best possible deal and terms for the club and I believe we have done that. I’m sure we will be enormously proud when Matty goes on to do what we all know he can at a higher level.

The beauty of the way this club is now ran is that we did not need to sell and are now able to find the balance between not standing in a players way but at the same time not being pushed around and rolled over. The reality was before we secured Matty on a new deal he was walking away for nothing at season end so all in all it’s a great result for player and club and Warrington get a real hot prospect that was in reality destined for Super League.'"