Manchester Storm have signed Great Britain international Paul Swindlehurst.

The ‘D’ man initially joined Storm on loan from Nottingham Panthers towards the end of last season, but he has now made the move permanent.

Player/Coach Omar Pacha said: “I’m delighted to have agreed a deal with Paul for next season.

“We know what he brings to the table every night in terms of his defensive play and physicality on our back-end, which at times last season I felt we lacked overall as a defensive core.

“Swinny is only 22 and will only continue to learn and improve as a professional player, and I can’t wait to have Paul pull on the Storm jersey and go into battle with him again next season.”

Storm General Manager Neil Russell added: “Paul is a player I admire greatly.

“With the chance to play in key situations here in Manchester, his overall development as a player will only continue to grow.

“Also, Swinny being a local lad is important, especially as we place huge significance as a club on being fully active within the community.

“Having Paul as a flag bearer for that, he will play a significant role along with all the players in further spreading the word of the Storm across all of Manchester.”

(Image permission: Karl Denham)