IT'S business as usual at Hilton Park as Leigh step up their preparations for the Millennium Season.

Chief Executive Mick Higgins, who has handed in his resignation to save money, has left for a two-week holiday in Florida.

But, while he is away, work will continue on team strengthening.

Although Mr Higgins is likely to continue as chairman on his return, much of the recruiting is now down to coach Ian Millward.

"It's a critical time for recruitment," he said. "First up I want to get all last season's players re-signed and then hopefully still have enough money left in the pot to bring in a couple of new faces.

"Our budgets have had to be adjusted because of the reduction in New Corporation money from £300,000 last year to £150,000 this. But I'm confident we can improve the squad. "One way the town can help is if any sponsor would come forward and assist with the contract money for a player or two."

Millward will know more next week when he attends a budget meeting with Chris Healey.

"We need to move fast because I have the likes of Andy Fairclough, Kieron Purtill, Anthony Murray, Alan Hadcroft, Phil Kendrick, James Arkwright and Chris Parr off contract," he added.

Millward last week returned from a working holiday back in his native Australia where caught up on all the latest coaching techniques and information.

He also targeted a back row forward from the St George Illawarra club. The 23-year-old has made 23 first grade appearances and is seen as an ideal replacement for Jamie Kennedy.

Millward is also looking for outside backs to replace Ken Kerr and David Ingram after both took up contracts to play in France.

Both could return to Leigh after their commitments have ended, but the new English season will be well underway by then.

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