Transfer News - Bleasdale makes his mark

Steve Bleasdale
By Matt Lawton
October 26 2007

New Leigh RMI manager Steve Bleasdale is starting to make his mark on the side after the club were heavily involved in a busy week in the transfer market ahead of the trip to Blyth Spartans on Saturday afternoon for a vital Blue Square North fixture.

With striker Dan Owen leaving the club during the international break to pursue a career in London outside of the game, Bleasdale has acted quickly to promote Richard Chetcuti from the club's reserve side, and the former England Under 18 international was to quick make his mark, scoring within a minute of entering the fray in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Vauxhall Motors.

Also leaving the club, albeit upon the receival of a transfer fee, is front man Kevin Rapley, who has departed Hilton Park to join Blue Square North rivals Barrow, ironically a side that he scored against during Leigh's 2-1 win at Holker Street earlier in the season.

Owen leaves the club after scoring two goals in six appearances this season, while Rapley has proved successful in his period with the club, scoring four goals in his eleven Leigh appearances this term.

Bleasdale has used his Welsh Premier League contacts to quickly swoop for a replacement for Rapley, with former Liverpool striker Mark Smyth, who can also play on the left wing, joining from Bangor City, Bleasdale's previous club, while he will be joined by out-and-out striker Sean O'Neil, who has previous experience in the Irish Premier League.

Bleasdale's final signing of this particularly busy period is young midfielder Sean Ferguson, who joins the club from League One side Tranmere Rovers.