BREAKING NEWS: Leigh Centurions battling financial trouble (From Leigh Journal)

BREAKING NEWS: Leigh Centurions battling financial trouble

1:55pm Thursday 29th September 2011 in Centurions

INTENSIVE discussions and deep negotiations have been taking place in a bid to prevent Leigh Centurions going into liquidation.

Chief executive Trevor Barton says all support is crucial or else the future looks bleak.

Acting chairman Keith Freer said in a club statement: "The loss to Sheffield has resulted in a serious cash-flow issue which the directors are attempting to resolve.

"There have been intensive talks internally and we have been in deep negotiation with the Rugby Football League, the local authority, LSVco, sponsors, the Corporate Club and LISA (Leigh Independent Supporters' Association).

"We are assessing urgently what monies are available in the short and medium term to meet all liabilities.

"At the same time, we are looking forward to what is achievable next season.

"There is a way forward but this will require some very hard decisions to avoid the club going into liquidation.

"The current liabilities are not that great and with the assistance of a few we will be able to go forward into next season with a sound financial footing provided everyone rallies behind the club.

"The alternative is we cease to trade and no future for Leigh.

"This prospect is not acceptable and I know that the supporters of Leigh will expect us to explore every avenue to protect the club."

Further announcements will be made at a fans' forum.

Freer added: "We will be informing you personally at the fans' forum next Wednesday.

"Phil Coffey and I are utterly committed to get to the next season and we feel that with patience and understanding, that is achievable.

"We will be short-listing the candidates for the Head Coach and with the assistance of Ian (departing coach Ian Millward) we will have open discussions with players to secure them for next season."

Chief executive Trevor Barton MBE added: "I have seen at close quarters what the board is trying to achieve and they are working their socks off to resolve the problem.

"As you will see at the fans' forum next week, there will be reports by several members of the Professional Support Group that if we can get through to the next season intact, we have some very exciting initiatives for our club and although the financial situation is at times dispiriting, I am not dismayed by it and continue to work hard at the new model which will be self sustaining and not dependant on a white knight.

"After the game last week I made some comments which may have caused some fans to be dismayed but I was merely expressing my disappointment after a sensational season with only one loss in the leaague.

"So I would ask that you keep the faith, get behind the club - be it the lottery, LISA, the new members club, simply buying season tickets.

"We need you more now than ever before and without your support the future will be bleak.

"Just to highlight the desire for Leigh to succeed it was great to hear from Linda at LISA today of contributions being made from friends and colleagues in the Rugby League family (Wakefield), digging deep and contributing. It is much appreciated.

"I would ask everyone to celebrate the wonderful performance this season and attend the celebration dinner on the 7th October at which we will honour the players and our thanks to Arthur Thomas (former chairman) and his continued support for Leigh.

"Let's make this a great evening and move forward into next season."