The Thunder have had huge difficulties after two of their Gibralter-based backers have withdrawn their funding.

And although there are reportedly new financiers in the pipeline, the club is set to forfeit nine league points as a result of it heading into liquidation.

Leigh are understandably keeping a close eye on the situation, as those nine points – if deducted off the Thunder's total from last season – would in fact shove them back into the second relegation spot below the Centurions.

"It's a problem for the RFL of course, but one that we are following very closely," said Leigh head coach Neil Kelly.

"We were relegated with the same number of points as Gateshead, and in fact finished third from bottom. It was only the fact that Toulouse were exempt relegation that they escaped the drop.

"The RFL have not – as yet – declared their intent but we are determined to let them know that if they decide that Gateshead must go down, then we are ready and able to do what is necessary to convince them that we have everything in place to take it all forward and
compete in the Championship."

The RFL say nothing has been resolved with regard to Gateshead, and that the governing body were aware of the interest Leigh had in staying up and their ability to remain in the higher echelon if that was available.

But the RFL also insist they will be weighing up all the probabilities and possibilities before any firm decision is taken.

It cannot be ignored that the Thunder secured promotion by presumably using money they may not have had to secure signings that ultimately kept them up.

In the meantime preparations continue for next season, with chairman Arthur Thomas asking the fans to get behind the club by buying season tickets for next year.

"We are fully committed to hitting all the buttons that are necessary to get us back into the Championship and into Super League," stressed Thomas.

"We have invested heavily in players and in Ian Millward for a three-year plan to put us back in the top flight.

"But we need the support of the fans and of LISA – the Leigh Independent supporters association – to help us do this.

"It has been tough the way the season has finished, but we feel we have shown our faith in the fans with what we have done and now hope they show the faith in the club to support us."

The fans get the chance to meet Ian Millward and put their questions to him at a special seminar on December 2 at the Leigh Sports Village from 7.30pm.

Tickets will be limited because of the size of the venue, but are free of charge, obtainable from the club.