GED STAZICKER is Leigh's new reserve team coach.

The switch came when the club parted company with Alliance boss Willie Johnson who had been in charge for almost three years.

Johnson has left by mutual consent with former Leigh, Salford and Wigan prop Stazicker being promoted after assisting with Leigh's Academy side.

Staz, a popular figure at Hilton Park, was forced into premature retirement at the end of last season because of persistent knee trouble.

Leigh chairman Mick Higgins said: "We are looking for a bit of new blood and new ideas with the reserves. Willie admits he has lost some of his enthusiasm for the job, so the time was right to make a change."

Leigh, desperate to end a three-match losing streak, have made moves for two new players.

One played with South Wales last season while the second is an ex-international with a First Division club.

"Negotiations have opened and we hope to be able to pull off both deals," confirmed Higgins.

Meanwhile, Leigh have released Australian trialist Paul Abercrombie.

Former Leigh scrum-half Jason Donohue has joined First Division Hull on a free transfer from Wembley finalists Bradford. Next news story

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