By Matt Lawton
November 28 2003

Leigh RMI make the long trip to the Gloucestershire town of Nailsworth on Saturday afternoon to face fellow Conference strugglers Forest Green Rovers, complete with an old friend back in the squad after a three month absence. Former Altrincham star Ged Kielty (pictured below) returns to the RMI squad, three months after former RMI manager Mark Patterson loaned the midfielder to Unibond Premier League outfit Stalybridge Celtic. New RMI manager Phil Starbuck has heard sufficient good press about Kielty to recall him to the squad ahead of Leigh's vital Conference game and he is looking forward to seeing if the hype he has heard about Kielty is worthwhile.

However, Kielty may have to wait if he wants to add to his 91 starts in the Conference for RMI as the Railwaymen midfield is currently firing on all cylinders, with recent signing Carl Rezai hugely impressive, while Warren Peyton and Wayne Maden have seen a sudden positive upsurge in their form, while Mike Harris is still to make his debut after signing from Runcorn FC Halton. Former Manchester City and Bury veteran midfielder Steve Redmond, who is also assistant to Starbuck, is also pushing for a return to the side after recovering from the calf injury he picked up in the 4-1 home defeat to Scarborough nearly three weeks ago, so there is certainly hot competition for places in the side. Add that to the on-going competition for the RMI right midfield spot between long serving winger Ian Monk and former Barnsley star Carl Barrowclough, and Starbuck has several huge signs of encouragement as he yearns to secure yet another year of Conference football for RMI against the odds.

Former Burnley and Stalybridge midfielder Gerry Harrison (pictured) is also in contention for a midfield spot, although his versatility may be to his advantage, as he may claim a spot on the right of the RMI defence.

With the return of Redmond, Starbuck has a full strength side to choose from, with midfield places well up for contention, and former Hamilton Academicals striker David McNiven back in scoring form. Despite Tuesday's disappointing loss to Burton Albion, with RMI falling to a 3-2 defeat, despite scoring first, after conceding a deflected effort in the last minute, there is new found confidence amongst Starbuck and his squad.

Saturday's hosts, Forest Green Rovers, are also boosted with the return of a former Manchester City midfielder, this time Denny Ingram, who has returned from suspension. However, Kevin Langan and Jon Richardson are both carrying ankle and hamstring injuries respectively and are doubtful to recover in time. They are boosted though with the return of Jamie Moralee, who has recovered from a bout of 'flu.

Despite failing to win in more than five games, RMI have seen an upsurge in their fortunes and performances, they will be confident of returning from Gloucestershire with the full compliment of points.