By Matt Lawton & Jordan Reay
January 17 2003

Leigh RMI manager Steve Waywell has resigned as manager of the Railwaymen to take charge of Unibond Premier strugglers Hyde United. Recently appointed assistant manager Mark Patterson will take temporary charge until a new manager is appointed.

Waywell had been under pressure after a series of poor results left Leigh again facing a relegation battle as they did last season. However, in Leigh's first season in the Conference, Waywell guided the Hilton Park club to a suprise 5th place in the Conference table and a place in the LDV Trophy. Waywell was under pressure to resign last season after several poor performances and results but Waywell ignored the calls for his head and guided The Railwaymen to somewhat of a revival in the second half of this season.

It has been known that during his eight year spell as RMI manager, Waywell has turned down numerous approaches from other clubs who have offered higher than his current wages but he opted to stay at the club he served as a player. However, Waywell has now moved to one of his long term admirers, Hyde United, who have offered him their manager's job on several previous occasions. This time former Hyde player Waywell has accepted the offer. Hyde offered Waywell the job after they yesterday dismissed former England winger Gordon Hill from his duties at the club.

During Waywell's management, the club's fortunes have turned around dramatically. Waywell oversaw the clubs move from their original home in Horwich to a groundshare with Leigh Rugby League Club at their present home of Hilton Park. Waywell also guided the club to several promotions, from originally a place in the Unibond First Division to the Unibond League Championship in the 1999/2000 season which earned the club promotion to Non-League football's highest tier.

Former Bolton Wanderers and RMI midfielder Mark Patterson, who only returned to the club last week as assistant manager, has been put in temporary charge until a successor is found.

Thank you for all your help Steve and good luck at Hyde.