ROSSENDALE striker Gary Williams is to cross the Atlantic in search of a professional contract.

The 23-year-old striker, who once transferred from Accrington Stanley to Doncaster Rovers for £60,000, has been asked by the Virginia Beach Mariners to go over for a trial.

The A League side saw Williams play last summer for D3 side South Jersey Barons. Williams flies out there next Friday and hopes to secure a full-time deal.

"Virginia are in the A League, which is one division below the MLS (Major League Soccer). I played against them last summer and they have asked me to go over," said Williams, who lives in Burnley.

"New York Freedom have also been in touch so I'll just go over there and see what happens."

Williams was still an Accrington Stanley player when he joined South Jersey for three months last summer in a bid to get fit for the new season. But on his return he found his route to the Reds first team blocked by Lutel James and Paul Mullin and eventually signed for Rossendale for a three-figure fee.

But he has now asked Dale to release him from his contract to give him a chance of going full-time.

"I don't think anybody will begrudge me a chance to go to America and play full-time. If you could choose either a wet and windy Dark Lane on a Tuesday or playing on the beach I know which one most would choose.

"The season is only six months long over there and they don't sign players on long-term contracts but I hope to come back and get my coaching badge anyway. I would like to move out there full-time eventually."

Dale manager Jim McBride was disappointed and said: "I've spoken to the chairman and we will be releasing him. But for a player of his talent, I'm a bit loathe to say he has done himself justice since he joined Rossendale."

Angry McBride is ringing the changes at Dark Lane, claiming his current squad have 'had their last chance'.

The final straw came last Saturday when the Dark Lane side went down 4-1 at home to Guiseley after having goalkeeper John Gillies sent off.

"I've lost patience with them," McBride blasted. "None of them can say they've not had a chance."

Keeper Mark Andrews has returned but former Claret Gary Parkinson has decided to see out his contract with Radio Lancashire and will now join the club in the summer.

The UniBond Division One play Guiseley again tomorrow.

McBride, who expects to have a full squad to choose from, will be urging his players to raise their game, just like they did against Vauxhall Motors in the UniBond League Cup last month.

"That's what made me more annoyed about last week's performance. We beat Vauxhall Motors one week, who are flying high in the Premier League, then a week later against teams in our division we lose without even a fight."