LEIGH RMI hope that reuniting former Altrincham centre-backs Mark Maddox and George Manning will be the key to a successful season.

The cash-strapped Railwaymen, who were given a reprieve from relegation after Canvey Island dropped out of the league, are hoping they can forge a mid-table posiiton in the Conference.

Manning joined RMI last season and now manager Andy Nelson has brought in Maddox, a player he sees as a key component of his squad.

The 33-year-old Maddox was a legend at Altrincham, having made more than 300 appearances for the Robins in a 10-year spell, and was a member of the 2003 FA Trophy winning side.

Nelson has been busy in the summer putting together a strong squad but one, he admits, the club will struggle to afford.

"My budget is smaller than last year so that does pose problems," he said.

"But we have kept the nucleus of last season's side and added a couple of good players. I would like to include some better players but that is where I have problems in financial terms. I have several players lined-up to play in our opening two friendlies and I will assess the strength after that."

Nelson has released Gareth Stoker, Alex Hay and Ryan McDowell, while teenage centre-half Liam Coyne has moved to FC United who, in return, have agreed to play a friendly against Leigh at Hilton Park on August 5.

Nelson added: "It is poetic justice that we avoided relegation after we were deducted a point on a technicality. I have put together a great squad but can't afford to keep it. I am working on the figures at the moment.

"The budget is less than last year and we have to try and survive until we go into the new stadium in 18 months time when we will increase our income."

Leigh will be boosted in August by the return of former RMI star Martyn Lancaster, who is playing in the USA, while midfielder Steve Abbott is also expected to be on board.