LEIGH RMI boss Steve Waywell admits that although he needs a further three players for the new season his hands are tied until he knows where the future of star striker Steve Jones lies, last season's second top scorer in the Nationwide Conference.

"I would like to sign a defender, goalkeeper and probably another striker," revealed the Leigh boss. "Until I know what is happening to Steve Jones I don't know what I will have to work with. It won't be a lot but it'll be more money than I've been used to, if we can get around £100,000 for Steve. I know that the club can't give me more than they budget for and the board have been dead straight - I appreciate that.

"We turned down an offer of £45,000 from Morecambe but we value him at £100,000 because he is a real diamond. At the moment the offer from Morecambe is the only one we have received.

"If he goes we would wish him all the best and in a way I want him to go but also want him to stay. I would like him to go sooner rather than later if he is to leave because it would mean I could afford the three players I need and it would give me great pleasure to see him go into the Football League.

"But he still has three years left of a four-year contract and is quality - a one off."

Waywell completed one signing when Hyde United left-back Paul Robertson, the Hyde United left back, agreed to move to Hilton Park. The manager attempted to sign the defender three months ago as cover in the hectic finale to the season. Robertson has previously played league football with Stockport County, Bury and Doncaster Rovers and with Barrow and Altrincham in the Conference.

RMI's confirmed pre-season friendlies: Wed 18/7 - RMI v Oldham, 7:30; Mon 23/7 - Lancaster v RMI, 7:30; Sat 28/7 - Clitheroe v RMI, 3:00; Tue 31/7; Rossendale v RMI, 7:30; Sat 4/8 - RMI v Wigan, 3:00; Tue 7/8 - Bamber Bridge v RMI, 7:30; Sat 11/8 - Chorley v RMI, 3:00.