MARK Ward has no intention of staying assistant manager at Leigh RMI - but has the blessing of the Hilton Park club writes David Magilton

The former Everton, Manchester City and West Ham midfielder was appointed number two to Steve Waywell in the summer but readily admits it is a stepping stone to bigger things.

"I am very happy to be part of the scene at Leigh but I am looking for a job and the manager knows that." he said. "I am very much my own man and if a job comes up that suits Mark Ward I will be going.

"But all the time I am at the club I will give 100 per cent to the cause of Leigh RMI. I am doing my best to make them more professional. I take the training and the manager knows how I work and how I think the game should be played."

Meanwhile RMI face a difficult FA Cup tie at Midlands side Moor Green on Saturday week with a five-figure sum at stake.

The cash problems at Hilton Park are widely documented and nothing could be more welcome than the £20,000 on offer for winning the final qualifying round tie against the Dr Martens Premier League.

Leigh have been paired with local neighbours Radcliffe Borough in the first round of the Lancashire Marsden Trophy when the competition gets underway next month. The game will be played at Hilton Park.