LEIGH RMI have released EIGHT players as Phil Starbuck looks to re-shape and re-vitalise the squad for next season.

Assistant manager Steve Redmond is the biggest casualty of the axe-wielding - parting company with the club while goalkeeper Gary Kelly takes the reigns as number two.

"It's one of the hardest decisions that I've ever had to take in football", said manager Starbuck, who cited financial reasons for releasing the former Manchester City centre-half.

"Gary Kelly has more qualifications and experience in coaching and is suited to the assistant role more than Steve Redmond.

"But Steve's done a great job with us and I wish him all the best for the future. We just couldn't justify paying wages for two coaches with the wage bill that we have."

Kelly will compete for the goalkeeper's jersey with the outstanding young prospect Ian Martin, who will be retained between the sticks after performing admirably last season.

Martyn Lancaster's departure has been the worst kept secret at the club but he will be joined by Damien Whitehead, Carl Rezai, Steve Gunby and Paul Shepherd.

But Leigh fans will be desperately saddened by the news that powerhouse Wayne Maden looks set to leave for America.

Furthermore, centre-half Neil Durkin's future is in doubt due to the players' work commitments and star striker Dave McNiven has yet to agree to a new contract at Hilton Park. Starbuck's negotiating power has been severely hampered by the uncertainty surrounding RMI's league position next season.

But he has revealed that the versatile Tristran Whitman will be offered terms after being released by Scarborough. The pacy midfielder impressed in a loan spell at Leigh until the end of their ill-fated campaign.