STEVE Waywell has been busier than Angus Deayton's PR manager this week - but the future at Leigh RMI looks a lot rosier as a result.

The manager was facing a long summer of shopping around for a completely new squad this time last week after the departure of Michael Twiss and Mark Westhead looked certain to be followed by Dave Ridings' signing for Stalybridge. The battling midfielder has had a change of heart though, and is almost certain to sign a new deal that will keep him at Hilton Park for the next Conference season.

With Ian Monk, Andy Heald and Jamie Udall also looking to sign new contracts this week, the mass exodus that seemed inevitable now looks a lot less likely. Udall's signature will gain added significance now that Iain Swan has decided upon a switch to Conference rivals Morecambe, and he will be more than adequate cover at centre-half.

But the greatest coup of the week comes with a new recruit to the RMI cause in Stuart Coburn - a goalkeeper from Altrincham who Waywell rates as the "best non-league goalkeeper in the North West."

That reputation has been earned from a number of heroic performances for the Robins that gave him the chance to have a trial with then-Premiership Leicester City a few years ago, and although that particular step up was unsuccessful, Coburn will be a crucial addition to the squad.

He is the only netminder currently on the books after Dave Felgate, Craig Dootson and Mark Westhead all left Hilton Park at the end of the season.

These critical developments have laid the worries of many to rest for the time being, although the futures of three players: Neil Fisher, Marcus Hallows and Dave German are as yet unknown.

Leigh's friendly match with Wigan Athletic scheduled for Thursday August 1, has been postponed until further notice, after a confusion over the dates. However, RMI fans will rejoice at news of another pre-season holiday - with two warm-up games in the Isle of Man pencilled in for the end of July.

RMI have also announced this week that they will not be running a reserve team during the 2002-2003 season.