LEIGH is now one step away from Premiership soccer.

This week a new era of sport at Hilton Park began with the arrival of Bolton Wanderers reserves.

Colin Todd's 2nd Xl have transferred to the ground, kicking off last night (Wednesday) with a star-studded match against Middlesbrough.

Pontins League officials gave approval in principle to the switch following a final inspection of the upgraded Leigh facilities on Friday.

Boro Reserves at times feature the likes of top international stars Fabrizio Ravanelli, Paul Merson and Mikkel Beck!

Bolton have struck a one-year agreement with the Leigh directors to stage their reserve games while they move into the new Reebok Stadium. And, in common with Derby, Sunderland and Stoke, also moving to new grounds, they have been given special dispensation to play a full programme away from their main home base.

The Pontins League usually insists on a club starting and finishing a season at its main stadium and only using a minor ground from November to March. But they have relaxed that regulation to help the four clubs settle into their new grounds and to avoid 'overload' of the pitches in their first season.

Wanderers chief executive Des McBain said: "We are delighted to be able to take advantage of the Leigh directors' kind offer.

"It will help us get over the first season at the Reebok Stadium. Circumstances may change and we'll look at the situation as the season goes on but it's certainly a satisfactory relationship as it stands."

Chris Healey, chairman of Leigh RMI who have been instrumental in negotiating the deal with Wanderers, said it would provide welcome income for Leigh at Hilton Park Ltd.

Under the agreement, RMI have pledged to give Wanderers first refusal on any young talent they unearth at UniBond League level.

"We are delighted Wanderers have contemplated coming to Leigh," said Chris.

"The arrangement will help us raise the profile of football in the town and will offer Colin Todd new facilities and an excellent pitch, which will be good for football."

The Hilton Park ground has had a major facelift - funded by a sports ground initiative grant via the Rugby League.

It offers new changing facilities, boardroom and entertainment suites and boasts a new floodlighting system identical to that at Bury's Gigg Lane, where Manchester United stage some reserve fixtures.

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