MP ANDY Burnham said it was a "huge honour" to become the new chairman of Leigh Centurions -- but stressed to fans he would have no involvement in the day to day decisions of the club.

The Leigh MP was unveiled to fans at Hilton Park last Sunday as the new Honorary Chairman -- along with new Director of Football Alex Murphy -- before Centurion's 68-16 victory over Rochdale, above.

Mr Burnham said he would act as a figurehead and pledged to do everything in his power in his new capacity to help the club achieve their twin objectives of Super League status and a new stadium.

But he was keen to emphasise his role was only honorary -- and he would not interfere in team matters.

A delighted Mr Burnham told the Journal: "It's a huge honour to be asked to be the new Honorary Chairman. Since being elected I've realised there's no more important institution that matters so much to Leigh and the people of Leigh than this club. I see both jobs as going hand in hand and I will help the club in whatever way I can.

"I remember being a 12 year old boy standing on the terraces watching Alex Murphy lifting the Championship trophy. So it feels incredible that I'm now involved in such a way with Leigh Centurions.

"But I would like to stress to fans that this new role is only honorary. I'm not going to be making any day to day decisions or pick the team. Only the club's board will make those kinds of decisions.

"I will use the role to lobby within government circles and use my connections to help the club in whatever way I can. The twin objectives are for the club to be in Super League and for the Sports Village to go ahead."