Leigh RMI legend leaves Hilton Park for final time

Ian Monk
By Matt Lawton
December 12 2003

Leigh RMI legend Ian Monk has departed Hilton Park for the final time to join the ever-growing former RMI contingent at Stalybridge Celtic in the Unibond Premier Division.

"Monky" joins former RMI team mates Craig Dootson, Dave German, Andy Heald at Bower Fold, under the managerial guidance of former RMI assistant boss Dave Miller.

Monk could be set to make an almost immediate return to Hilton Park when his new side come to Kirkhall Lane on January 10th for an FA Trophy tie between the two sides.

Monk has been a regular in the RMI side this season but he has recently lost his place to the returning Carl Barrowclough, the impressive former Barnsley winger, and as such, RMI boss Phil Starbuck has allowed Monk to leave the club in search of first team football.

Monk has established himself in the RMI legend after several years of faithful service, starting for the Railwaymen back in RMI's Unibond Premier League days after being signed from Lancashire rivals Morecambe by then-manager Steve Waywell, eventually helping Leigh to promotion to the Conference and establish themselves in the top division of English non-league football.

Coming in the opposite direction is former Halifax Town and Manchester United striker Ian Fitzpatrick, with the 23 year old Shrewsbury Town striker signing a one month loan deal with RMI, having starting only three games for the Shrews this season.

Welcome to the club, Fitz. Thanks for your sterling service over the years, Monky, and good luck at Celtic, 10th January apart of course!