Millward had doubts over Centurions post

Wednesday 4th November 2009

Former St Helens and Wigan coach Ian Millward admits he did have second thoughts about joining Championship One club Leigh following their recent relegation.

Millward agreed to take over the Centurions in 2010 earlier this year, only for the Super League aspirants' 2009 campaign to unravel and end in shock demotion to the third tier.

"To be honest I did have second thoughts," said the 45-year-old, who has worked at North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders since leaving Wigan in 2006. "I beat myself up for a week about it but you've got to move on. What convinced me was the enthusiasm (chairman) Arthur Thomas had."

He added: "There is a lot of real excitement. It's a club with a new stadium, a new outlook and a lot of vision.

"I'll be the face of the club. If I don't move forward positively it will stagnate. I'll accept that responsibility."

Millward was speaking as he was officially unveiled as the Centurions head coach for a second time on Tuesday.

He cut his teeth with the Centurions at the old Hilton Park in 1998 before going on to win two Super League titles and two Challenge Cups with Saints.

His tenure at Knowsley Road came to an abrupt halt when he was controversially sacked in 2005 and he returned to Australia the following year after an unsuccessful stint with arch-rivals Wigan.

"Now I feel is the right time to come back to the UK," said Millward, who has signed a three-year contract at Leigh Sports Village.

"There is a lot of work to be done. It will take time but I can assure everyone at the end of my term it (the club) will be a lot more successful, a lot more consistent, a lot more disciplined and a club that is winning on a regular basis."