LEIGH RMI sensationally offered to merge with the recently formed FC United of Manchester - the club formed as a protest to Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United.

The parties decided against becoming one club after talks but they have formed a close relationship.

RMI officials have helped FC United of Manchester get started with a great deal of advice and, in return, the club run by disillusioned Manchester United fans is going to help swell RMI's coffers with a pre-season match.

FC United of Manchester look set to start life at the foot of the pyramid, in North West Counties Division Two.

But a merger with Leigh would have pushed them up to Conference North and solved a lot of the financial problems that, in part, led to RMI's relegation last season.

"It seems that FC United are looking to stage their matches at Droylsden," said Chairman of RMI Supporters' Club Peter Lowe, who was central to the negotiations.

"It would seem hypocritical to some degree, in light of the Glazer events, if a team came into being by taking over another club.

"But they have promised to assist us in our quest for survival as a reward for the amount of help we have given over the last few weeks."

Part of that reward is the arrangement of a friendly match on July 16, which will be the first game in the history of FC United of Manchester, who have appointed Karl Marginson as manager.

The Hilton Park game is expected to attract a crowd well into four figures, which would give a huge boost to Leigh's coffers ahead of the new season.

"They see it as the dawn of the new Newton Heath", continued Peter Lowe.

"It could also help us to show people what Leigh RMI are all about as well."

If FC United of Manchester hit a hitch in their proposed groundshare with Droylsden at The Butchers Arms, RMI have offered a long-term share with the rookies at Hilton Park.