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.

Despite playing their third season in the prestigious Nationwide Conference, the Railwaymen have struggled to attract a fan base of more than 400 and that is something that Patterson says cannot continue.

The RMI manager took over at Christmas charged with the task of getting his side out of the relegation zone, but has quickly become disillusioned by the lack of support for the club in the town.

"I would like to know what the people of Leigh do on a Saturday afternoon," he complained. "We need their support if we are to survive.

"On Saturday against Southport I expected a big crowd but there was just over 500 and that was mainly because of the away following.

"I know we will never get massive support but I would love to see us get 7-800 fans and we can build on that. Otherwise the club cannot survive.

"We are fighting for our lives and it is important we win our home games. Nobody likes coming to play at Leigh but we need the fans."