STEVE Waywell has revealed that supporters of Leigh RMI changed his mind about leaving the club.

Waywell was on the brink of being sacked back in January, with his side dangling precariously close to the relegation zone and with little money available to change the situation.

But, after guiding RMI to Conference survival, three local clubs all made attractive offers and it took a great ovation after the season finale at Farnborough to make up his mind.

"I've had great support from Alan Leach (current Chairman) and the majority of the board through the season but as much as I love the club, there was an opportunity for a fresh start there," he said.

"Listening to the reception I got from the supporters at Farnborough though, I knew that this is where I wanted to be. Considering we had just lost the game 3-0 it was a really good gesture and I have to admit that I had a bit of a lump in my throat!"

Waywell has received offers from unspecified Football League clubs in his time with the Railwaymen but has always resisted the temptation.

He has already been subject to interest from one large Conference club in the pre-season shake up, as well as two Unibond League outfits who have higher spending potential and could offer higher wages than RMI.

But, having been buoyed by the recent signings of Gerry Harrison, Neil Durkin and Ged Kielty, Waywell obviously feels that the future is bright at Hilton Park.