LEIGH RMI manager, Mark Patterson, has paid tribute to Leigh RMI's loyal band of supporters.

"Attendances at Hilton Park might not be as high as I would like," said Patterson, "but those fans who turned up week in week out throughout the season have been a great inspiration to the players and me.

"Their support throughout the season, and especially in the run-in to the end of the season and at away matches, has been crucial.

"Last Saturday they got their reward at Kettering as we played and won our battle for Conference survival.

"It was a great day for players, back-room staff, directors and all those loyal fans."

Patterson is also delighted at the team's improved defensive record since he took over in January.

"When I took over our sole objective was to lift RMI away from the foot of the Conference table and retain Conference status.

"The players knew we had to dig in and battle for results. They showed enormous spirit which should give them great heart for next season.

"The foundations of a good team have now been laid. In the sixteen games since the turn of the year they conceded an average of only one goal per game compared with twice that in the previous 26 games.

"I know that our weakness was a lack of goals. We need to improve our goalscoring and I've already been talking to four or five forwards with a view to strengthening the team for next season.

"We knew we would struggle to play good football on the Hilton Park pitch which is also used for rugby league. The underlying clay meant that it was heavy in wet weather and could be rock hard when it dried out. But give me a good football pitch to play on and I'll give Leigh a successful team.

"Crucially the battle to avoid relegation has been won. Now we need to look at how we strengthen the team so that we can challenge for promotion next season."

Patterson took over as Leigh RMI's manager at the beginning of the year after being caretaker manager for two games following Steve Waywell's resignation. His first Conference game in charge was away to Burton Albion on 18 January which Leigh won 1-0. Before that, RMI were bottom of the Conference.

In playing 26 games they had conceded 53 goals and acquired 23 points.

Under Patterson they played 16 games, conceded only 16 goals and took 25 points, which saw them draw clear of the relegation zone on the last day of the season.

They also won the county cup, the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy.