NEW Leigh RMI chairman Dominic Speakman has appointed the club's first full-time staff.

Mary Croasdale and Donna Middleton have been signed' as part of the chairman's professional approach and commitment to a long-term future for RMI as it moves into a new era.

"The club has relied enormously on volunteers and casual staff who have given a massive amount of their time and resources," says Dominic.

"But it is unrealistic to expect the club to grow into the team that this town wants, without creating a solid infrastructure and that means professionals on hand full time to develop the club both commercially and in the community."

The female team arrives with a wealth of football experience from previous employers Blackburn Rovers where they contributed to much of the commercial success over six years with the club.

"Mary had been seconded temporarily from my company Destinology but it soon became clear that her enthusiasm, commitment and knowledge were perfect for warranting a permanent move," Dominic adds.

"Her former colleague Donna was then approached and this fantastic team was reunited."

Mary adds: "We have a lot of exciting ideas and are committed to helping Dominic in his ambitious aspirations for the club; with the springboard of a new stadium at the start of next season there could not be a better time to get involved and see the transformation.

"There will be a modern, even radical, approach in some areas and I'm sure it will be a refreshing change!"