AXED Rossendale United manager Jim McBride admitted he was shocked and gutted at the way in which his departure was announced.

McBride was relieved of his duties after Saturday's home game against Harrogate Railway, despite seeing his side earn a 2-1 FA Cup first qualifying round win.

Poor home attendances were blamed for the decision to sack him but McBride says that isn't a reasonable excuse.

"I think the writing was on the wall when they installed a new board of directors in the summer," he said.

"They were waiting and waiting for an opportunity and, in the end, they used the crowd.

"It's not a footballing decision, and our crowds are no worse than anywhere else.

"Rossendale had good crowds when they won the North West Counties League but you will when you're winning every week.

"We've got through two rounds of the FA Cup and we haven't been beaten at home all season so, short of dragging people in off the streets, I don't know what else I could do.

"If they had come to me and said they didn't like the way I was doing things, fair enough.

"But it wouldn't have mattered what the result was on Saturday, it seems their minds were made up before the game, and that's what hurst the most.

"To give the excuse they did was embarrassing.

"I've always worked from honesty, I try to bring in honest players and have honest people around me.

"But they let me do all the preparation for Saturday's game, all the homework for the FA Cup then get rid of me after the game."

But while McBride, who took over from Jim McCluskey as manager midway through last season, is bitterly disappointed at his exit, he said he wished the club well.

"I've still got some very good friends at Rossendale," he said.

"I don't wish them any ill feeling whatsoever.

"I can't speak highly enough of Kevin Procter, the secretary.

"He's a fantastic bloke and has been superb with me. David Howarth, who does the programme, and Billy Howarth the kitman - I class those people as friends."

Director and former Manchester City player David White will take temporary charge for tonight's trip to Kendal.

Paul Lynch, who resigned as Colne manager last week, is one of the favourites to take over from McBride.

A new appointment was not expected to be announced until later today.

ROSSENDALE have been drawn away to Marine in the FA Cup second qualifying round on September 27. Chorley, who beat Selby Town 2-1 will entertain either Armthorpe or Whickham.