But he is determined his old Aussie mate, back as coach to Leigh Centurions, won't derail the Reds' pre-season plans when their teams meet in a friendly at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday.
Simms said: "Ian Millward is one of the best coaches in the business - the game over here needs quality coaches and he will improve Leigh so much.
"They are an ambitious club and they could not have a better coach to spearhead and pilot their plans.
"Ian has always been a very progressive coach. He knows the game inside out, and it's great to have him back. The game over here needs him. His record speaks for itself, and he is very hungry for success."
One of Millward's first signings was the capture of Robbie Paul, the veteran Kiwi, from Salford and Simms believes it was a good move.
He added: "The thing with Robbie is he has been there and done it - he did a wonderful job for Salford, and I'm sure he will do the same for Leigh.
"His enthusiasm and appetite for the game quickly rubs off on those around him."
Salford, who will also play Swinton and Widnes in pre-season, will field a strong side and need to hit the ground running with the new campaign just over a month away.
He said: "Both teams will be looking forward to Tuesday's game. We need to start well, We will train ahead of the game, prepare accordingly, and now start to step things up with the season fast approaching."
Reds' new signing from Australia, Daniel Holdsworth, arrived at the weekend.
He will not figure against Leigh, but will be in the squad for the derby clash with Swinton.
Paul Kidd, the Lions' football director, says the pre-season derby has generated a great deal of atmosphere among the two sets of supporters.
He said: "We always look forward to a clash with Salford. I am expecting the Reds to go well this season and to build on what they achieved last time." Yesterday's friendlies between Rochdale Hornets and Oldham, and Widnes and Warrington were frozen off.
Tickets for the Widnes game can be used for the Salford match on January 24, or fans can claim a refund from the club before the 22nd.
The BARLA Lancashire Cup final between Rylands Sharks and Halton Simms Cross. They will try again at Tyldesley RU club next Sunday.
All the first round Carnegie Challenge Cup ties were postponed on Saturday and have been rescheduled for Saturday or Sunday.
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Looking at their personnel, I am not convinced that the Reds have a better team this year than last. However time will tell. Leigh and Widnes are both strong NL sides so they each should give salford a real test. It certainly will be interesting.Torred
jim shelton
leigh were relegated last season but were reinstated due to other clubs financial problems so how does that make us one of the strongest clubs in the nl league? by any stretch of the imagination we were the 2nd weakest.
having said that leigh are potentially a much bigger club than salford and have far more potential than the red devils. if leigh had a decent super league side they would get 6/7000 gates. salford will never get that. and plus the fact that leigh already have a new stadium that fits all the critera for superleague.
when the franchise comes up for renewal and salford/st helens/castleford/wakefield/crusaders still dont have a ground that fits the bill will the rules be changed yet again ?
Loads of snow over night this game must be under a big threat?
If the game does get the green light like in the past it should be a good hit out for the Reds.
Welcome back to England 'Basil'