LEIGH MR will begin the new season under new management.

John Webster steps up from No 2 as coach at Twist Lane, determined to improve on this year's Premier Division Top-4 finish.

Webby, the ex-Wigan and Miners forward, heads a new coaching set-up with existing trainer Jimmy Gaskell, assisted by skipper Neil McColloch.

"Training begins on Tuesday," said Webster. "I aim to give an early invitation to give new and existing players a feel for the kind of commitment I expect.

"I want to recapture the winning ways and build on last season's team spirit.

"Experienced old boys in the camp like Neil McColloch, Andy Collier and Paul Daniels should help to bring on the production line."

New players will get an early chance in the pre-season Champions Challenge.

But Webster has a great feeling of optimism after the successes of last season and with off-field activities through the impetus of Allan Rowley.

The club's annual prize night proved a glittering affair. Youth Player of the Year was centre Martin Herbert; Michael Higham scooped the Ernie Gregson Trophy and shared in the NUM award with Danny Halliwell; Glen Bracheck took the most improved player prize at U18s.

John Davies was the coach's choice as Alliance Player of the Year; the third team players voted Richard Hayes as their No 1; Graham Hindley was the unanimous verdict for top players by both coaches and players from the A Team in NW Counties Division One.

Hooker Lee Lomax, in his first full season, was top choice at senior level; stand-off Mike Warburton took the Welch Mill Carpets cut glass, presented by Brian Ridyard, a great supporter of the club.

Most tries (22) and clear winner of the Peter Bell Cup was centre John Maxwell.

There was recognition for outstanding points scorer Winston Sarsfield. The winger was National League leader with 15 tries, four drops and 106 goals (276 points).

Clubman of the Year was Frank Aldred, who collected the Rod Raines Shield.

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