LEIGH RMI have parted company with assistant manager and player Kevin Booth.

Manager Steve Waywell decided it was in the best interest of both parties but paid tribute to the part that Booth has played in the club's success over the last 18 months.

"Kevin's done a great job for us both on the field and as my right hand man, but recently we have had differences of opinion and I now feel I need better support," said Waywell.

Booth, however, said: "I'm gutted. I've always given 100 per cent to the club but this decision came completely out of the blue."

The player, who only signed a two-year extension to his contract in the summer, joined the Railwaymen in November 1995, making 24 appearances and scoring one goal. Last season he played in 42 games again scoring once and this term he missed the opening defeat against Boston but has started in the other nine games.

Waywell is confident he will soon bring in a new assistant but his first priority is to patch up his injury-hit side when they travel to Workington tonight in the Unibond League Challenge Cup.

Booth's departure hasn't eased Waywell's selection problems for he has eight players out of his first team squad either injured or unavailable, but it gives a chance to the promising youngsters who have been waiting in the wings.

Neil Wallace and Keiron Power have been knocking on the first team door this season but Hilton, Chadwick and Nuttall will also travel.

"it is a competition that I have been successful in and we will be going up there and giving it our best shot despite our selection problems and we desperately need to get back on track after our disappointment at Halifax in the FA Cup last Saturday," added Waywell.

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