ROSSENDALE boss Jim McCluskie has signed the former Accrington Stanley and Chester midfielder Brett Baxter.

Baxter wasn't offered a new deal at the Deva Stadium this summer so has joined the UniBond first division side, who had to fight off a number of other clubs for the player's services.

McCluskie - whose side has lost their opening two games of the new season - hopes Baxter will solve some of his problems.

"I heard he was looking for a club and he lives in Bacup right on our doorstep. He's been there and done it but by his own admission he is short of match practice.

"He needs a few games as do one or two others. He's a passer of the ball, he'll get it down and that's what we have been lacking.

"You can battle all you want but you need to be able to play as well."

Dale have been struggling to replace Mark Patterson since his departure for Scarborough last season but McCluskie said replacing a player of the former Rovers and Bolton man's quality is almost impossible.

"I don't think you can replace a player like that at this level. He was a massive influence but he has gone now and I need someone who will keep the ball for us.

"Brett's had one or two offers from elsewhere but he has decided to enjoy it and just get playing again."

Dale need to bounce back from their opening two defeats at Bamber Bridge tomorrow.

"Both games we lost were tight," said McCluskie. "They both could have gone either way. We were 1-0 up with seven or eight minutes to go on Tuesday and they were poor goals to give away.

"But I am pleased with the way we have been playing because we had a poor pre-season by our standards.

"But Gary (Williams) is back to his best and we will have Matt Woods back tomorrow. We missed him on Tuesday.

"We also have Matt Houldsworth missing but I am happy with the squad and I think when they are all playing we'll be up for a decent season."