MICK HIGGINS is to face up to Leigh's knockers.

The Hilton Park chairman, fed up and angry at the unremitting tirade from a section of the supporters, has called a clear-the-air meeting.

"I want people to come and tell us their grievances," he said. "And I want them to listen to our plans on what we are trying to achieve."

The Forum will be held in the club's Mick Martyn Bar next Thursday (June 12, 7.30pm). And Mick is anticipating a lively discussion.

"The club is better structured now than it has even been," he said. "In the last four years we have stepped away from oblivion and the club is working reasonably well.

"But we are being constantly slagged off.

"People must realise there is never a guarantee of success by simply buying new players. That is the road to nowhere.

"Obviously fans want a winning team in a higher division. That is what we all want.

"But first the board have had to prop up the club and give it stability. We have kept the club alive. We have given it a future."

Mick wants success in that future. Success for the club - and for the town.

"People should know," he said. "I am chairman here because I am a Leigh supporter - first, foremost and always."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.