DARWEN Football Club may approach other National League rugby league clubs about a move to their East Lancashire ground following Swinton Lions’ decision to remain in Greater Manchester.

The National League Two side, whose chairman John Kidd and head coach Paul Kidd are on the board at Darwen, had been considering a permanent switch to the Anchor Ground because of the high financial cost of playing at their current home – Sedgley Park RUFC in Whitefield.

But the possibility sparked fury among many of the club’s supporters, who were keen for the Lions to remain as close to Swinton as possible, and it was last week decided that they would stay at Sedgley Park.

That is not the end of it, though, as far as Darwen are concerned.

The Vodkat League First Division football club may still host two Swinton games next season and Darwen chairman Kevin Henry believes other existing National League clubs might be interested in a move to the area.

He said: “I wasn’t surprised about Swinton’s decision. We’re looking to bring other franchises to Darwen, though. There are other clubs who haven’t got the necessary economic backing.

“We’re in it for the sport and have a ground that we don’t want lying idle during the summer.”