LEIGH RMI's boss admitted that it was always a painful task releasing players who have served him well.

Steve Waywell this week faced up to the difficult job of telling Neil Matthews his services were no longer required.

The big striker has been a loyal servant to the Hilton Park club for three seasons, but he was sacrficed as Waywell attempted to bring in left-back Paul Robertson and Winsford striker Troy Hader.

"Neil has been a great servant to the club," said Waywell. "It is the worst part of the job telling a player who you like he has to go, but you have to do these things. That is the downside of the job."

Waywell was hoping to bring in Robertson, the Hyde and former Altrincham and Barrow left back, before today's home clash with Nuneaton.

"Dave German has done a great job but we need someone with a left peg to give us a better balance. I can sign players tomorrow but they have to be better than what we have. Robertson will give us better balanace."

Waywell is looking to get the RMI show back on the road after the hiccup against Hereford when the RMi boss accused some of his players of not pulling their weight.

He confessed: "I don't know what it was but we didn't have the same amount of passion as Hereford and that was the difference. We need to get back on track."

Next five games: March 6 Lancaster (MLC) H, 10 Hayes H, 17 Dover Athletic A, 20 Morecambe H, 23 Hereford H.