LEIGH RMI have parted company with Barry Diamond, just days after signing Stalybridge and ex Stockport County striker Paul Wheeler.

The shock move follows the Railwaymen's 4-1 defeat by Netherfield at Hilton Park on Saturday, their first League defeat in nine games.

"Barry Diamond has been tremendous for this club but the fact of the matter is that we are not scoring enough goals," said coach Steve Waywell.

"We are changing our pattern of play to a style that wouldn't suit Barry plus the fact that we have to look to the future."

The experienced striker, who has been with the club for three years, said he was totally devastated when told of the decision.

"I have fought back after injury to regain my place and I thought I had played my part in our recent splendid run that took us out of relegation trouble.

"It will take a few days for the shock to sink in, then I will review my situation, but I want to stay in the game either as a player or in a coaching capacity," said the shell-shocked Diamond.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.