LEIGH RMI face a bright new future for the first time in many years after they were taken over by Bolton businessman Dominic Speakman.

The Blue Square North club are currently bottom of the league and favourites for relegation, but a change at the top means a significant improvement in their long-term fortunes, whichever division they start in next season.

The new owner has already tied up a deal that will see his club playing at Leigh Sports Village next season, while the sale of Hilton Park, by owners Grundy Hill Estates, will help pay off the club's debts.

Speakman, who runs his own online travel company called Destinology, is the 32-year-old son of David Speakman, a former Bolton Wanderers director, and he is excited by the prospect of running a football club.

He said: "It is every lads' dream of owning their own club, but I enjoy a challenge and I have run quite big companies, and feel that I can bring that expertise to Leigh RMI. I believe the future is bright.

"I have lots of plans for Leigh and feel it is a great opportunity for the club. We are moving to a new ground with great facilities and I want to create a club worthy of that.

"I want to attract young players with the right attitude that are out to further their careers. I am not going to throw money at it bringing in expensive players, but I want to make it attractive and a centre of excellence.

"We need to attract fans and get families and youngsters supporting their club instead of Wigan and Bolton. If we can increase the fan base then, ultimately, I would like to have a professional set-up, but that won't happen overnight."

Speakman's reign began encouragingly on Saturday when the Railwaymen recorded their first league win in 17 games with a 3-1 victory over Vauxhall Motors.

Manager Steve Bleasdale is in a position to strengthen his side, although time is running out if they are to avoid the drop but he has Speakman's full backing for the future.

"Steve is a great coach with all the top badges. I will be sitting down with him to discuss what he needs and I am happy for him to take the club forward," the chairman added.