CHRIS HEALEY, Leigh's acting chief executive, is banking on an active commercial side to ease the burden for the Rugby League club.

"Much of what happens will depend on how the people of Leigh respond," he said.

"We not only need outside sponsorship and bigger crowds, but also we need the town to utilise the excellent facilities we have at Hilton Park.

"We've not been as commercially aggressive as we should have been. We have to be more outgoing in the community, and, with that in mind, we have drawn up plans to use our playing staff far more aggressively in the town."

The new off-field set-up has the backing of Leigh Independent Supporters Association chairman Neil Wilcock who said: "We are right behind Chris Healey and we'll make sure his commitment to this club doesn't fail."

LISA raised close on £22,000 last season to fund the contracts of Jamie Kennedy and Ken Kerr and have already pledged their financial support for the signing of new Aussie Adam Bristow.

"It took a huge effort to make £22,000 last season," said Wilcock. "But I'm sure that this year we can make that figure £25,000."

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