LEIGH RMI have sacked manager Stuart Humpreys and replaced him with former boss Steve Bleasdale.

Humphreys, along with assistant Andy Roscoe, had been at Hilton Park for almost four years but with the club stuggling towards the foot of the table, the management committee decided a change was needed.

Club spokesman, Stan Walker, says: "The club was very reluctant to take this decision, but faced with the fact of the current low league position and falling gates something had to be done rapidly to improve our prospects.

"This is a crucial time for the club; with negotiations on occupancy of the new stadium in progress and a number of investors showing interest we simply have to improve our league position.

"The management committee could not see any signs of this happening with Stuart and Andy at the helm and therefore were forced to take this action."

Steve Bleasdale will take over with immediate effect, as the club seeks to improve results and its league position.

Bleasdale is no stranger to RMI - having taken over as manager in their final weeks in the Conference National during 2004/5 season. His record during that season speaks for itself, as he doubled RMI points total - despite being in charge for less than a quarter of the season.

He reluctantly left RMI during the close season to join up with Mark Wright at Peterborough.

Bleasdale is a very experienced manager and a well qualified coach. Having gained his UEFA A and Pro licence makes him one of the highest qualified coaches outside the Premier League.

He will strengthen the squad in time for two crucial away games against Vauxhall Motors on Saturday, October 20 and Blyth Spartans the following week.