Leigh Centurions have appointed Matthew Chantler as the Club's Chief Executive Officer on a full-time basis.

Chantler will take up his appointment immediately and will also join the Board of Directors of the Club.

A solicitor specialising in sports law and a lifelong Leigh Centurions fan who lives locally, Mr Chantler, 30, has been acting as the Club's legal advisor.

Matthew Chantler said: "I am absolutely delighted to accept the position of Chief Executive with my hometown Club. Although this was a significant decision for me, stepping away from a successful career in law, I feel that it is a fantastic opportunity that was simply too good to turn down.

"Personally, I have accepted the position with the aim of being the Chief Executive of a Super League club and I am extremely confident that this is an achievable goal.

"Derek Beaumont often talks of his strong belief that he will lead the team out at Wembley and my grandmother often talks of her wish to watch Leigh at Wembley again; I certainly hope that I am in the stand with her, as Chief Executive of the Club, watching such an occasion!

"I have heard comments that the Leigh team is of Super League quality. I want to ensure that this also applies off the field and that the Club is run as effectively and as professionally as possible.

"Solid foundations have been laid by my predecessor Allan Rowley and I am confident in my ability to build on them with the complete backing of the Board of Directors and Derek who has invested, and continues to invest, considerable amounts into the Club.

"The Leigh Sports Village is of Super League quality and I am confident Neil Jukes and the team will also demonstrate that they are too by achieving promotion."

Mr Chantler continued: "I will take up the position, at the very least, until the end of 2018. As custodian of the Club during my tenure, I can guarantee the Leigh public that I will give my all, not just for the Club but also the town.

"I strongly believe that the Club can be a flagship for the town, community and can inspire the younger generation of Leigh.

"I will work tirelessly to build on the links with our community partners, clubs and schools, will ensure that the Leigh Community Trust is backed by the Club with both time and investment, and that the Club engages with local businesses as I passionately believe that the support of these parties are integral to the success of the Club.

"I strongly request that everyone fully supports the Club by any means that they can, should that be attending a home game or simply by sharing the club's social media posts to help us raise the profile of our great Club.

"I also implore our business community to continue to back the Club and to add to not just the success of the club but the town which will also be of benefit to them.

"I therefore invite all supporters, the Leigh public and business community to contact me by email (Matthew.Chantler@leighrl.co.uk) if they have any comments or suggestions regarding the Club.

"I guarantee that I will read each and every one and will act upon them accordingly.

"Support the Club, the town and BeLeighve!"

Club Owner Derek Beaumont said: " Matthew's appointment is a great signing for the Club and I feel at ease working with him and believe we will strike up a good working relationship. It is vital for me going forward to manage my time better in my business and the Club so that the time I do afford to the Club is productive, utilising my skill sets rather than being embroiled in day to day running decisions.

"I am also minded by the statement that the appointment of a practising solicitor as CEO is a bold one by the Club and gives assurances regarding its integrity, ambitions and commitment to aiming to give the town a sustainable Super League club. I think it is important that I invest in the off field captain as I would replacing the on field one and I am therefore delighted to welcome Matthew on Board."