LEIGH RMI's Nationwide Conference reprieve could provide the lifeline the struggling club need to survive.

The Railwaymen finished the season next to bottom, but automatic relegation to the new Conference North was averted when Margate failed to bring their ground up to the required standard.

The Hilton Park club now face a fifth season in the Conference and if they can maintain that status when they move into their new ground in a couple of years time, then their long-term survival prospects are much brighter.

For the moment officials are relieved they have avoided the drop, as chief executive Michael Peck acknowledged: "I am delighted we have kept our status for a fifth year. We will battle away and look forward to another season at Hilton Park."

But Peck, the Salford businessman who only joined the board last season, says it is now up to manager Phil Starbuck and his players to deliver.

"Our first aim has got to be survival. and then anything after that is a bonus," he said.

"The manager is looking to sign the players he wants. Everybody knows we have always allowed our manager to bring in the kind of players he finds suitable. We have never stopped him doing that. and will carry that forward to next season.

"Obviously it is very difficult to keep a football club running with average gates of 600 fans. We would like a few more from Bolton to come along, and with the new stadium on board, there is a lot to look forward to.

"We can only do our part as a board and hope the manager and the players do their bit. Our finances are limited, but as a board we have supported Phil Starbuck right down to the last drop. He has the chance to bring in players and turn it around, and hopefully that will happen."

RMI have had a rough-ride since Peck joined the club, but he says he has enjoyed every minute of it.

"I don't regret one thing I did last season. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will carry on pursuing it," he said.

"I have a fantastic relationship with the other board members. There is never an argument or disagrement. I am the last man on the block, but they have made me feel welcome and I hope I have repaid them with the work that I have done.

"The club is is moving forward and we are working hard trying to get sponsors. It never stops. The season may have finished but we are working as hard as ever to put sponsors in place for next season. There is meeting after meeting, and anybody who thinks you switch off when the season finishes in May and you forget about it until August, must be kidding.

"The supporters club also work hard, and now we have a goal we must make sure we are still there at the end of next season.

"Our average gate was up last season and we must try and increase it again."