Merricks Moves On

Former Leigh Genesis manager Lee Merricks have moved on from the club to take up a coaching role under the guidance of former Leigh boss Steve Waywell at Chorley, who will renew rivalries with Leigh in next season's Unibond League Division One.

Merricks was appointed as Leigh Genesis manager on 5th November 2008 with the simple brief of maintaining the playing side of the club after the resignation of chairman Dominic Speakman and the subsequent withdrawal of his funding of the club saw the departure of the majority of the club's first team squad and sparked the resignation of previous manager Steve Bleasdale.

Having previously coached with Manchester United and Wigan Athletic, Merricks oversaw an impressive Genesis reserve side but had a tough start to his senior managerial career with a 3-0 reverse against North Ferriby United at Ashton United's Hurst Cross ground. However, the following week was to provide one of the memories of the season as Merricks' team of teenagers battled bravely to claim an impressive 2-2 draw from Whitby Town.

Arguably the finest hour of Merricks' tenure was the incredible 4-2 victory away to local rivals FC United of Manchester on 14th February 2009, with Phil Marsh scoring a hat trick after turning down a move to United just days previously, though the former Manchester United striker was to eventually join the Gigg Lane club a matter of weeks later.

Although the appointment of Garry Flitcroft as Leigh Genesis manager saw Merricks take a step away from front line first team duties, he remained at the club until the end of the season, and is thankful to Garry Flitcroft for keeping him involved at the club.

Merricks has taken the opportunity to thank his backroom staff for all their assistance during his time at the club, namely Lee Doherty, James Standing, Kat Wise, Adam Eccleston, Mary Croasdale and Donna Middleton, whilst also reserving a special message for the club's supporters, thanking them sincerely for their support and the memories that we have shared, whilst also wishing the club every success in the future; "I feel it is what the club deserve", as he put it.

On behalf of the club's supporters, I'd like to thank Lee for his tireless efforts during his period at the club, never shirking the questions of the supporters and always the first to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those to support the team home and away, and we look forward to seeing him at both Victory Park and the Leigh Sports Village Stadium next season.