ERIC Hughes is the number one coaching target for Leigh Centurions following the axing of Ian Lucas.

Hughes, dumped by St Helens in January despite a successful two-year reign, could be installed at Hilton Park later today.

Leigh refuse to confirm that Hughes is the man they want but admit to being 'close' to making a quick appointment after yesterday's decision to release Lucas after 16 months in charge.

If Leigh do land the highly-respected Hughes, who has previous coaching experience at Widnes and Rochdale, it will bring the ex-Widnes centre back to Hilton Park. He was assistant coach to Alex Murphy in 1990.

Hughes has also been linked with the current coaching vacancy at Barrow.

Lucas' departure came after Leigh had won their first match of the season following four straight losses which had plunged them into their lowest league position for decades.

When Lucas joined Leigh in December 1994 he became the youngest senior coach in the game. He is now the club's 16th coaching casualty in the last 21 years.

The ex-Wigan and Great Britain prop was called in to see Hilton Park chairman Mick Higgins and told his contract, which expires on June 30, would not be extended. He remains on full pay until that time.

"It's been a tough decision to make but it's one that's been made with the well-being of the team in mind," says Higgins.

"Results this season have been poor despite a heavy investment in new players but the response just hasn't been there. Time has come for a change before the season's too far gone.

"Ian Lucas is not a bad coach, his record last season proves that he has a big future in the game. It just hasn't worked out for him at Leigh."

Lucas says he is 'bitterly disappointed' but still has great faith in his ability to make it as a top line coach.

"I think we made good progress last season but this year my small squad has been badly hit by injuries and that's been the deciding factor.

"Obviously a losing coach is always under pressure, that goes with the job. But I feel Leigh's decision to release me has been influenced by outside sources. That's what disappoints me most.

"I'll spend the next few weeks sitting back and assessing the situation but there's no point in looking back. All you do if you look back is get a stiff neck!"

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