GARY Chambers says it is 'his time' to try his hand at the helm of a rugby league club.

The 43-year-old former prop forward, who has given Wolves 25 years service since signing as an amateur in February, 1988, starts his new role as head coach of Swinton Lions immediately.

He said: "Warrington has been my life since I moved here when I was a boy.

"All the friends I’ve made at the club have been like a family to me.

"They’ve looked after me and I can’t thank them enough.

"But things have to move on in competitive sport and it’s my time now to give it a go.

"There’s a good link between the clubs so I’ll still be around but am now focussed on what I can do with Swinton.

“It's a challenge that I am really looking forward to.

"I am aware of where the club is and I know what needs to be done.

"I've been impressed with what John and Paul Kidd have set up.

"I know what their values are and they are similar to my own so it struck a chord.

"There has been a lot of turnaround over the last few years and it's about developing structures from the inside. That will be my big target. I can't wait to get started."

Chambers' first game in charge alongside assistant coaches Ian Watson and Marlon Billy will be at Batley Bulldogs on Saturday.