By David Magilton

STEVE Jones has turned his back on offers of a bigger and better contract elsewhere to stay with Leigh RMI.

The tricky winger was wanted by Morecambe, Altrincham and Southport but relieved RMI officials were delighted this week when he put pen to paper to agree an extended four year contract.

"I have been offered better deals but my heart is with Leigh," admitted Jones. "I had such a great season last year and I didn't want to leave even if the grass is greener."

But the red-haired flyer is not hiding the fact that his ambition is to play in the Football League.

"We are in the Conference now and it will be difficult but it puts me in the shop window. I had a great season last year and I am hoping to repeat that again. I am out to impress as I would like to play in the Second or Third Division," he added.

Leigh will have a new look this year as they strengthen their side for the first season in the Conference but Jones says the new faces have quickly settled in.

"There are seven or eight new faces but it hasn't made a difference. We have a great team spirit as everyone has quickly gelled."

Jones, 23, is already much travelled having played as a teenager for Bury and Blackpool before moving to Irish club Sligo Rangers.

"I got into the first team squad at Bury but didn't get a game and then went over to the Republic of Ireland where we won the biggest cup competition the FAI Cup.

"I was homesick and returned home and played four games with Chorley, the last against Leigh, who were impressed and signed me for last season."

Jones says he is now happier than he has been at any time in his playing career. He is settled with a wife and family and raring to go.

The winger bagged 22 goals last season and coach Steve Waywell recognises what a valuable asset he is to the club.

"The player was undecided for a while but now he has told me his heart is at Leigh and that he wants to stay here.

"It is a major boost for us. Other clubs were interested but we didn't want him to go."

The manager enthused: "There are not many players like him. He has two good feet, a good turn of speed and he scores goals.

"He knows how to go at defenders and to cross the ball into the box. He is an old-fashioned winger and a really special player.

"There are still areas of his game which he needs to improve upon, but we know what they are and we will do the work to make sure he becomes an even better player."