The Centurions' former players Ian Watson and Aaron Smith have headed to Swinton Lions along with another former Centurion Andrew Isherwood, while Andy Hobson has joined Martin Crompton's Blackpool, who were one of the surprise packages of this year's season.

Add Oldham, who performed superbly under former Leigh coach, Tony Benson during the promotion play-offs, Keighley and York City Knights, who have enlisted former England and Super League half back, Chris Thorman and Leeds Rhinos' Luke Harbottle into their ranks, and you can see that there is going to be plenty of sides vying to finish top of the pile.

"It's all going to be very interesting," admitted Leigh's former head coach, Neil Kelly, who is preparing the way for the arrival of new head coach, Ian Millward on October 22.

"Other sides are recruiting well and it's as if our own recruitment has sparked a flurry of activity amongst our rivals.

"Of course we are building for a Championship winning season, but every other club will have this ambition at this stage. We have only released Anthony Stewart, Hobson, Watson, Smith and Tom Hemingway – who was recalled to Huddersfield – from last season's main squad and of course we have recruited well in Robbie Paul, Ricky Bibey, Tim Hartley, Tommy Goulden and John Duffy.

"On top of that our generally young squad will benefit from Ian's experience."

Oldham, of course have problems off the field with the inland revenue pursuing them and owner Bill Quinn seemingly undecided about whether he wants to take the club forward. But if the squad is able to stay together, they gave every indication they would be a force to be reckoned with next year, even despite the departure of Tommy Goulden to the Centurions.

"The players are back in training on November 10 after Ian has been here a couple of weeks assessing training facilities, schedules etc." added Kelly.

"I am in regular contact with him, as is Paul Rowley and we are working hard to make sure he has everything in place that he requires for his arrival.

"The players are on a break now, but they will be keeping their personal fitness levels up and when the pre-season gets under way, then it will be hard work all the way through to the start of the new season, next February."