LEIGH RMI boss Mark Patterson has appealed to the people of Leigh to support his side's fight for survival - both on and off the field writes David Magilton

Despite playing their third season in the prestigious Nationwide Conference the Railwaymen have struggled to attract a fan base of more than 400 but Patterson believes the future can be bright.

RMI have gradually turned their season around with Patterson at the helm and are buoyed up by a victory at the weekend which lifted them out of the bottom three in the Conference.

The need to attract more fans is crucial to their long term survival and Patterson has launched his appeal to coincide with Tuesday night's crucial home encounter with Farnborough Town followed by Saturday's visit of Scarborough.

"Last season the future of RMI was in doubt but things are changing at the club," said Patterson. "A new stadium is now a distinct possibility and things are moving forward. In two years we could be playing in a 10,000 seater stadium and from my point of view and the players that would be an exciting prospect.

"But the truth is we may not be in the Conference in two years time.

"The quality of players in the Conference are improving due to the knock-on of the effects of the ITV Digital fiasco that has forced so many clubs to release good players.

"From Leigh's point of view it is becoming more difficult to survive due to the wage demands and the gate receipts alone come nowhere near the wage bill. That is why I am making a plea to the people of Leigh and surrounding areas to come and support the club.

"The supporters who come week in week out are greatly appreciated. I realise the town has a successful rugby team but the season only overlaps for a short time.

"Potentially we could have a good Conference team that could compete year in year out in a good stadium. Another 3-400 supporters would make a vast difference to the quality of players we could afford."

Patterson is looking for another solid performance against Farnborough - a club who have managed just two wins away all season and are in disarray after losing manager Graham Westley and a large slice of their squad to Stevenage Borough.

RMI will be boosted by the return of Gerry Harrison after suspension but Neil Fitzhenry is a doubt after having stitches in a head wound will be filled by Wayne Maden.