LEIGH Genesis manager Lee Merricks insists the club is in no immediate danger of folding.

It looked bleak for Genesis when chairman and major benefactor Dominic Speakman pulled out of the club late last month, but Merricks says the team will continue to play their matches – and could even be in their new stadium at Leigh Sports Village by December 13.

The majority of the first team squad has left the club, together with former manager Steve Bleasdale, but Merricks, pictured, says Genesis can fight back.

The 28-year-old, who has been coaching since he was 22, has promoted his former reserve team and has recruited several players of his own as he attempts to move the club forward on the field.

“We won’t be folding. The club has been in debt before and it will come through it again by everyone pulling together,” said Merricks.

“Our training facilities are secure until the end of the season, our coach travel to games has been paid for and we hope to move into our new stadium by December 13 or Boxing Day at the latest.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of the stadium move because I am concentrating on first-team matters, but once we have a home it will make things easier.

“We will have a fantastic stadium that players will want to come and play in. Players will want less money because they will be happy to play in such a fine stadium.

“It’s a challenge for everyone at the club – and one we will relish.”

It’s a young squad and management team at Genesis, but Merricks sees that as an opportunity for everybody involved to impress.

Merricks’ team contains a number of players who have progressed through the academy ranks at Premier League clubs, before being discarded.

Many of those players are desperate for an opportunity to show what they can do, and Merricks said: “It’s a second chance for many of the lads and some will grasp it and go on to bigger and better things.

“Four or five of the lads are ready for the first team, but there are a few who could do with another year to bulk up.

“As a management team we want to develop footballers, and we want the lads to enjoy themselves.

“We gave debuts to many of the lads last Saturday and, for the first 20 minutes, they looked out of their depth and struggled with nerves.

“However, we had a word with them at half time and they settled down to play well and we got lots of plaudits. We don’t want plaudits though, we want points.

“We have to be looking up, not over our shoulders.”

Merrick sadded: “I may only be 28, but I have worked with the under-16s at Blackpool and done some coaching at Wigan.

“I cut my teeth in semi-pro football with Ashton Town and I see this as too good an opportunity to turn down.

“Hopefully we can move this club forward.”