By Matt Lawton
May 3 2004

Leigh RMI manager Phil Starbuck has begun planning for next season's campaign with the re-structuring of his current squad, although it is unclear which division RMI will be taking part in. Eight of RMI's current players will definitely departing Hilton Park, seven definitely staying with the future of three others unclear as yet.

Striker Damian Whitehead, midfielders Carl Rezai and Steve Gunby, former club captain Martyn Lancaster, Michael Price, Paul Shepherd, Wayne Maden and former Manchester City veteran Steve Redmond have all been released by the club.

Most of those were expected, it is suprising to some that former Blackpool man Maden, who has been impressive in a dour season, has been allowed to leave, along with the departure of Redmond, as it seemed Starbuck thought highly of the former Bury defender, who was Starbuck's right-hand man last season.

The players that will be staying, no matter which division RMI play in next season, are former Derby County midfielder Gareth Holmes, Australian goalkeeper Ian Martin, midfielder Steve Smith, ex-Scarborough Trinidadian Mario Daniel, full back Andy Roscoe, Warren Peyton and former Oldham Athletic and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gary Kelly, who will also take over the position of RMI's assistant manager that was vacated by Steve Redmond's departure.

It is unclear whether or not centre back Neil Durkin will be staying because of his work commitments, and top scorer David McNiven will only stay should he accept RMI's offer of a new contract, with the same fate hanging over the future of former Burnley defender Gerry Harrison.