KIERON Purtill believes Leigh may need to win all their remaining Betfred Championship games to earn a crack at promotion to Super League.

But it seems unlikely Purtill will be handed his chance to take Centurions into the top flight.

Owner Derek Beaumont admitted this week finding the “right person to appoint as head coach” was “proving difficult.”

However, in a typical forthright address to fans Mr Beaumont added: “I am committed to adding further financial support to make an appointment.”

Centurions take a break from league action on Sunday when they visit Batley Bulldogs for a place in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup fifth round.

But the priority is promotion and Leigh have lost five of their opening six games including a 38-18 defeat at Halifax last Sunday.

In 2015, Fax finished fourth in the game’s second tier with 32 points from 23 games, losing seven.

Twelve months later Featherstone lost eight times but made the Super 8’s with 30 points.

And in 2017, Halifax claimed the final spot with another 32-points haul including seven losses.

“We are embarrassed by what we are turning up at the moment,” admitted Purtill.

“I think the club will have to win every single game they have got left to finish in the top four.

“There is no getting away from it. We will have to go on the best run this club has been on. And there are a lot of tough teams in this division.”

Batley have provided Leigh with their only competitive win so far in 2018 but a 34-6 barely papered over some massive cracks. They have also won two of their four opening league fixtures.

“It’s another game we have to win,” agreed Purtill. “We have to find some form from somewhere.

“We can’t take the game lightly because it is always tough at Batley.

“We need to get some combinations going and get our energy going.”

Despite his club’s on field turmoil Mr Beaumont insists: “I still believe there is the quality of players required to finish in the top four.

“I understand the fans’ frustrations and I would like to thank all those that showed excellent support after our Featherstone fixture that sent a clear message to me that we are still in the fight.

“I would also like to thank the large following that went to Halifax to support the lads and to apologise personally for the performance we gave.

“Kieron Purtill is working tirelessly to do all he can with the rest of the staff and I thank him for stepping up to the plate at this difficult time.

“I hope this provides some clarity and thank you for your continued support of our Club which is greatly needed and appreciated.”