CHAMPIONSHIP club Swinton are facing an uncertain future after the board of directors resigned with immediate effect following opposition to its plans to rebrand as Manchester.

The club say directors received threats of violence after announcing proposals they argued were necessary to ensure the future of the club and this afternoon asked the Swinton Lions Supporter's Trust to form a succession plan to take the club forward.

The board hit out at the actions of the Mayor of Salford and councillors of Swinton and Pendlebury who released a letter objecting to their plan and failed to respond to a request for an urgent meeting.

A statement said: "Having assessed all of the above, it is with regret that the board of directors of Swinton Lions RLFC Limited resign their position with immediate effect."

The club say Stephen Wild has agreed to remain as sole director on an interim basis until a new board is formed.