STEVE Bleasdale has only himself to blame if Leigh Genesis fail to hit the heights in the UniBond Premier Division this season.

The manager took the reins at Hilton Park last season with the club deep in relegation trouble in the Blue Square North and was not able to save them from the drop.

But the club have a new look and a new name as they begin life a division lower and, having had the summer to refashion his side, he admits he will carry the can over the results.

“It is my team and I will be judged on it,” he said.

“We have brought in several new faces but have a good balance between youth and experience. I have three or four players who I call warriors who will lead on the field. That is what we lacked last season.”

Leigh have had a busy pre-season, losing just two of their eight games as Bleasdale looked to forge a winning formula, but now have a free weekend ahead of the season’s opener a week tomorrow at Eastwood Town.

Bleasdale added: “The lads are looking sharp and fit, but the time off gives them a chance to get over a few niggles and start the season chomping at the bit.

“We have a small budget and a small squad and there are clubs spending a lot of money, but we are rebuilding and I will be happy if we can finish in the top six.”

Leigh’s hopes of starting the season in their new ground at Leigh Sports Village have been dashed as it will not now be ready until November.