WHILE Leigh RMI manager Steve Waywell continues his search to strengthen his squad in readiness for the coming season in the Unibond Premiership, the club has moved quickly to retain his services.

He has been working without a contract for 18 months but has now signed a four-year deal.

He took sole charge in November 1995, when the Railwaymen were in danger of falling out of the Unibond League after being relegated from the Premiership the previous season.

They ended the season in mid-table before becoming the first club to regain Premiership status when promoted last term.

"Steve's performance since he took over has fully justified this contract and he deserves a long-term commitment from the club," said chairman Chris Healey.

"We feel the club is in a position to target the Conference and rewarding Steve in this way gives us stability and continuity.

"It also allows him to put in place a long-term strategy and, along with assistant Kevin Booth, who has also signed a new two-year agreement, they will take the football club into the next century," added Healey.

Waywell believes his contract will help him to strengthen his hand in his bid to bring new players to Hilton Park.

"The directors have shown loyalty to me and, when players see that, it proves the club is ambitious and helps me in the negotiations.

"Successful clubs are the ones that have stability and now we can approach the Premiership with an established set-up and a lasting confidence," said Waywell.

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