LIFE after Keith Latham started for his old pal Norman Turley with a line from a Frank Sinatra classic.

"I'll do it my way," declared the new Leigh coach as he settled into the Hilton Park hot seat.

No one was more surprised than the former assistant boss to find himself handed total control after Latham quit.

"I've been as close to Keith as anyone over many years," he said. "And I saw no signs he was thinking of chucking it in.

"To say the news came as a shock is an understatement. The players were equally shocked to find he'd gone because he commanded so much respect. Nobody had an inkling.

"His input will be greatly missed but we have to adopt a professional attitude and start to prepare for the future without him.

"Personally, I'm greatly honoured to be asked to take over as head coach of my home town team and it's even better to know the players are fully behind me.

"Everything happened so quickly I've only just started to think about how I will approach the job.

"But one thing I'm determined to do - is to do it my way.

"Anyone expecting sweeping changes will be disappointed. The crucial thing not to lose sight of is continuity.

"Keith has put so many good things in place at Leigh and it would be crazy to just toss all that away.

"Naturally I have my own ideas but generally I want the transition to be a smooth one."

Turley, vastly-travelled in his playing days, and who brings with him previous coaching experience at Trafford, Workington and Whitehaven, has the full backing of chairman Mick Higgins, who said: "Norman will be able to commit himself 100 per cent to the job, which latterly Keith wasn't able to do.

"He is ambitious and desperately wants to make a success of the job and wants it on a permanent basis."

Meanwhile, Latham has described how the 'special bond' he has for the club will always remain.

"I have many fond memories of the special bond that has been created over the last 18 months and sincerely hope the club gets the success it deserves.

"I will continue to lend my support to the club and its players in trying to reach their goals.

"My thoughts are still with the players who have my total respect. I would like to thank each and every one, past and present, for their total commitment, effort and honesty for the cause.

"The backroom staff deserve praise for their loyalty to me and the club. The board, especially Mick Higgins and Steve Blakeley, have my sincere thanks for their unstinting support."

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