JOHN Pendlebury is back on home ground, appointed as Leigh Centurions' assistant coach at the weekend.

Leigh-born Pendlebury sat alongside head coach Paul Terzis during Sunday's win over Oldham but only officially took up his duties as number two on Monday.

As well as working closely with Terzis as his assistant, Pendlebury will take control of the club's U21's Academy side when their season starts later in the year.

He played for Leigh in the early 1990's after joining the club for £15,000 from Bradford. During a distinguished playing career, Pendlebury also played for Wigan, Salford and Halifax.

Pendlebury made his name as a coach in 1998 when he was voted Super League coach of the year when he guided Halifax to third place in the table. He resigned in June of the following year and has not coached professionally since.

"John is someone who has kept abreast of all coaching methods and I believe he's got a lot to offer both Leigh Centurions and Rugby League in general," says Terzis.

"He was involved against Oldham just to give him an insight into our operation and playing style. He'll have more input as time goes on."