LEIGH RMI boss Steve Waywell has acquired a major coup for the club with the signing of an unnamed forward from a Football League club writes David Magilton

After losing former Manchester United and Port Vale centre forward Michael Twiss to Chester City, Waywell was keen to replace the big striker and has managed to pull off a deal with a third division side for a player whose contract has not yet expired.

The Leigh boss is unable to release the player's identity but admitted he is delighted with his capture.

"The player is a goalscorer, fast and strong and is a coup for this club," said Waywell.

"He wants to get back into the Football League and is disappointed to have been released. He fits our wage structure and will be an excellent signing."

Leigh have lost keeper Mark Westhead to Conference rivals Stevenage Borough but Waywell has already found a replacement by signing Stuart Coburn from Altrincham. The talented keeper last year had a trial with Leicester City and was linked with a move to Chester.

Waywell revealed he is hopeful of making five summer signings and was boosted when experienced Dave Ridings had a change of heart and turned down a move to Staylybridge but Dave German looks as if he will team up with former RMI assistant Dave Miller. Ian Monk, Jamie Udall and Andy Heald are all expected to sign new deals.

The Railwaymen, under the guidance of acting chairman Alan Leach, have just become a limited company with a new five-man board.

"The club has got itself sorted and from looking very bleak, the future is looking good," Waywell added. "I'm looking forward to the next two or three years. We are in a better position than most Conference clubs.

"We still can't offer the wages of some and it will take two or three years to be able to compete on that level, but we have got the money in place for next season."