Derek Beaumont explains why Wigan Warriors led to radical rebrand

A lot was made of Derek Beaumont’s radical rebrand which gave birth to the Leigh Leopards.

Beaumont has now explained why he chose to rename the club and introduce a new kit design.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester Beaumont revealed that IMG and Wigan Warriors were the reason behind the radical rebrand:

“Well, I just think we needed to change. We needed to look different than what we’d always been and which ultimately, you know, we’ve been in Super League three times and never managed to stick it out,” Beaumont explained.

“We had an image that was very similar to Wigan in the striped shirt, a Warrior against a Centurion.  I just felt that if you were IMG or an investor looking from the outside in, you have to accept that that looks like a bigger club than ours in its history and so on and so forth.

“So we needed to break away and find a way of maximizing what we could do. I think facility wise, I mean the size of facility we’ve got is perfect. It’s something that we can fill and create a great atmosphere in rather than something that’s too big.

“Then it was a case of we didn’t know how great it was going to go with the rugby so you’ve got to create an event, if you can come out and you’re in there early, you’re listening to good quality music on a PA, it doesn’t always have to be a Scouting For Girls or a T’Pau.

“We’ve had a tribute band on, we’ve had a wedding band on, we’ve got bigger acts than we’ve had on coming on without giving too much away.”