Millward praises feel good factor

Leigh head coach Ian Millward has praised the club’s fans and hopes they act as its 18th man as they fight for league and cup glory.

The Centurions have made a fine start to the season, losing for the first time this year against Catalan in the Challenge Cup on Friday, in a game where they pushed their Super League opponents all the way.

Top of the Championship, Leigh are also in the Northern Rail Cup semi-finals.

Millward said: “There is a distinct upward movement in the crowds, but that’s also a reflection on how the team is playing and also on their style of play.

“On top of that, people feel they are getting value for money.”
 
“Particularly on our last game it was the noisiest anyone had heard in the stadium. New built stadiums have to create their own new culture and hopefully through this team and the number of fans, which is increasing; and also the noise they are making on the terrace, it is really creating a feel-good factor on and off the field.”
 
“It’s really been noticed by the players. You can never under-estimate how that actually helps the players intensity, and it also helps the players maintain focus with the urging of their home support.”

Millward returned to the club at the beginning of last season, guiding the club to a Northern Rail Cup semi-final and a third placed finish, before their season was ended by Sheffield in the play-offs.