I FEEL I must reply to Mr Higgins, Chairman of Leigh Rugby League Club, after the statement he made last week in The Journal, when he said the Leigh club is in a healthier position now than it has been for 20 years.

I can only speak on behalf of the club in the late 70s and early 80s when we did own our ground and training pitch, plus assets in players on the field. Des Drummond, Steve Donlan and John Woods would have been worth around £300,000 on the transfer market, and with today's valuations on players it would be more like £2 million.

We were also able to sign players and did not need to take them on loan.

So after beating Widnes in the Lancashire Cup final and winning the First Division Championship, with average crowds of 6,000, I don't think many supporters will think the club is now in a healthier position midway down the Second Division, which is a long way off being First Division, or as it is today Super League champions.

I do realise the club have come through difficult times over the last few years and things are not easy today. I also know money was not always at hand to spend on ground improvements in our days, like the club are getting from the Sports Council, so our priority was to put a team on the field, which I think is what the supporters wanted.

Going back to Mr Higgins' statement that the club is in a healthier state now than it has been for 20 years: he openly admits they have no money to buy John Gunning and Steve Gibson at the age of 34 and lets one of the best backs on the club's books, Jimmy Veikoso, go to Swinton in a deal.

If I was Mr Higgins I would think twice before I made any more statements in The Journal. He should also take the rough with smooth before he starts having a go at supporters, like he did after the defeat at Lancashire Lynx.

They pay their money and are entitled to voice their opinions, remember, Mr Higgins, there aren't many supporters left.

Sunday, May 18 - another healthy result at Barrow - don't blame the coach with the quality of players he has to choose from.

Brian Bowman

Former Chairman

Leigh RLFC

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