LEIGH Centurions' preparation for the 2015 season has already began both on and off the field, writes Dave Parkinson.

Having joined the current board, director of rugby Derek Beaumont has overseen Centurions' transformation from top four challenger to competition winner.

The next step in the development of the club is adapting to a full-time operation; with plans in place for the start of pre-season training in November.

“It’s funny how you end up more busy when it’s off season than you do during the season,” Beaumont said.

“People like Neil Jukes, Paul Anderson and Simon Finnigan under Paul (Rowley) have had a lot of work to do in planning.

"Mike Norris has also been pretty instrumental in his work as chairman, negotiating with the LSV in terms of getting all the structures in place for pre-season training.

“That’s all gone really well. We will be able to make the best of what I think is one of the best facilities in rugby league and will have all our facilities on-site.

"We have swimming, our own wrestle room, our own gym, we’ve got our own players' lounge; we’ve got use of the athletics track and we’ve also got all our training on grass with increased use of the main LSV pitch."

And Beaumont is grateful for the facilities on offer.

“We are very grateful to the LSV management who have embraced what we are trying to do and certainly our success this year has been instrumental in demonstrating to them what we can do and what we will do," he added.

"That has helped them buy in to what we are doing in making everything achievable within the financial constraints that restrict us.

“The whole place is now buzzing, the amount of kids you saw last year was encouraging as was the amount of female fans we have. I can say that the Leigh Sports Village has really become a family environment and I can only see that growing.

“We are really excited about next season because we know how challenging it will be.”

Off the field, Leigh have announced prices for The Touchdown Club. Formed in 2011, their members have generated a £50,000 profit for Centurions; providing another source of revenue towards the club’s ultimate Super League ambitions.

Membership is via an annual subscription of 12-monthly standing order payments. There are two routes available; Proud Leyther and Centurion100. Both schemes are aimed at loyal fans and businesses who wish to show their dedication and support.

Benefits include all 11 home Kingstone Press Championship games plus the first three Super 8 games, along with an annual subscription to Leigh Centurions TV, a limited edition Touchdown Club shirt, and free under 16s season tickets for Proud Leythers.

Centurion100 members enjoy the benefits of the Premier Club, Centurions’ executive match-day hospitality dining and entertainment.

Touchdown club director Alan Platt said: “The membership has grown and so has its importance to the club. For our members to generate well over £50k profit is superb. Generally our members enjoy the simplicity of monthly payments which is also welcomed by the Club when budgeting. Every pound from every member is valued and important and we encourage our loyal fans to continue their support into 2015.”

Membership costs £32 per month for the Proud Leyther scheme, and £72 per month for Centurion100. Contact Alan Platt on 01942 487887 or at touchdown@leighrl.co.uk