LEIGH RMI's new chief executive believes the club can follow in the footsteps of Rushden and Diamonds and gain promotion to the Football League.

The introduction of a sponsor produced a revolution at the ailing non-league Midlands' club which has resulted in the outfit reaching the Second Division and Michael Peck, the new face at Hilton Park, believes that with his support, Leigh RMI can replicate Rushden and Diamonds' success.

The Salford businessman has already been instrumental in bringing former Manchester City and Bury star Steve Redmond to Hilton Park, and says that two or three quality players will follow in the next couple of months.

And the prospect of moving into a new purpose built stadium in the town along with Leigh Centurions is another reason why the future is suddenly starting to look bright.

The 41-year-old Manchester City fan admits that he was keen to get involved with a Conference club and that Leigh RMI suited the bill perfectly.

"It has been a club that has struggled to survive in the Conference and I believe I can help move them forward," he said.

"I approached the board, had meetings with them and now I am the new chief executive. I had no idea about the plans for the new stadium when I first approached them. It has now gone to planning and everyone is confident it will get passed. That is a big bonus and the future is very exciting. We will see what goes on from here. It is my first venture into football and I can see Leigh following Rushton and Diamond's example.

"We all set goals as we do in business and there is no reason why Leigh cannot get into the Football League. If you don't try to set those goals there is no point being in either business or football. We are looking to bring in better quality players and looking to take that extra step forward. Who knows what is round the corner.

The Conference strugglers have only attracted average crowds of 400 despite all the club's efforts, but Peck is confident that with the arrival of quality players at Hilton Park, the fans will start to turn up.

He added: "I agree that all the efforts have not brought in more fans but if newer and better players were to come in it may give people the incentive to come down and watch.

"We have already shown this season that Leigh can compete with full-time teams and if we sign better players and make it more attractive for people to come through the door, we can build it up on a slowly but surely basis.

"Steve Redmond is a very good signing for RMI and we are aiming to bring in another couple like that over the next couple of months. If it means me helping the club along the way then that is what will be done and I have assured the board of that. There is nothing in it for me other than pure enjoyment. I am not giving them money to pay for players or their wages and asking for anything back.

"Of course the club needs help and that is what I am here to do. The manager knows who he wants and doesn't want. Previously he was under financial constraints and hopefully I can relieve that situation. There is no pressure on him.

"I have told the manager to decide which two or three players he wants and then leave the rest to me, so I am sure he will get some enjoyment out of that. It will give him the leeway he has not had.

"I am quietly confident that with the right players we can push for promotion."