JIM McCLUSKIE has quit as manager of Rossendale United, according to the club's official website.

The Dale boss had been in charge at Dark Lane for little more than two years after taking over from Micky Graham in September 2000.

McCluskie's side were champions of the NWCL first division in his first season and won promotion to the UniBond League.

Last season, the club's first year back in the UniBond for 12 years, they were pushing for promotion before dropping off toward the end of the season and eventually finishing ninth.

It is no secret that chairman Andrew Connelly is fiercely ambitious and hoped the club would be promoted to the Premier Division. But a poor start to this season - they have won five of their first 16 games - has virtually put paid to that.

Dale had won just one league game in 11 before Saturday's game, which they won 3-1, at home to Bishop Auckland.

Martin Brooks put the home side ahead after 13 minutes and Matt Woods increased the lead to two three minutes before the break.

Craig Sargeson despatched a penalty on 45 minutes before Devine got a consolation for Bishop Auckland on 65.