RECENTLY deposed Leigh assistant manager Andy Farrell has left the club by mutual consent.

The central defender had already been told that his services on-the-field would be used sparingly and left after being replaced by Mark Ward as Steve Waywell's number two last week.

Farrell was the only ever-present for the Railwaymen during their first season in the Nationwide Conference, but Waywell says that he was not the right man for the job.

"I think it was too much for him because he didn't have enough drive", says Waywell. "It was the best thing for both parties that he left the club and we have got a highly talented replacement."

The last time Ward was with the club, he left to take charge of UniBond side Altrincham, an experience that Waywell says will have stood him in good stead.

"Mark has learned what management is all about now, and his experience at Altrincham will have been part of the learning curve for him. He has a great reputation, and I am confident now that he is doing something that he wants

to."

The club are unlikely to replace Farrell by buying another defender, as the veteran would have played few Conference games. They are still hopeful of retaining the services of both Jamie Udall and Ian Monk.