Veivers handed Salford reigns

England-based Australian Phil Veivers has been appointed as Salford City Reds' new head coach, the club have announced.

The 47-year-old former St Helens full-back steps up from the role of assistant to succeed Matt Parish, who resigned for personal reasons a week ago after less than six months in charge.

Veivers, who previously coached neighbours Swinton, was in temporary charge of the Reds for much of last season due to the illness of Shaun McRae and was an unsuccessful applicant when Parish was appointed.

Veivers came to England in 1984 to play for St Helens alongside fellow Australian and Brisbane Souths team-mate Mal Meninga and stayed on.

He also played for Huddersfield and was assistant coach to Brian Noble at Wigan before joining Salford 12 months ago.

"I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to take this club into the new stadium," Veivers said.

"It is a historic time for the club. We are looking for progression this year and progression can lead to success.

"Everything that could have happened has happened in the last 12 months but we are set to get to work and see what we can achieve next season."