DAVE Gray says he feels 'let down' after being booted out of Rossendale United.

During showdown talks with manager Jim McCluskie at Dark Lane, the 22-year-old striker had his contract terminated 'by mutual consent'.

But Gray, who is from Bacup, says he wasn't given a fair go this season after scoring goals to help Dale get promoted from NWCL Division One last year.

"I don't think I've been given a fair chance," he said. "I feel a bit let down really.

"I got a contract at the beginning of the season but then got a bad injury and since I got back I haven't been given a fair go.

"I have been given 60 minutes here and there but I needed a run of five or six games to get my fitness back."

Gray was out for six weeks at the beginning of the season with a fractured ankle and then just weeks after returning he was out again because the original injury hadn't healed.

"After I got back we had so many games called off I haven't had a run in the side."

He is now a free agent and hopes to fix himself up with another UniBond club. He has yet to get his driving license so may sign for a local North West Counties side until the end of the season.

Ironically, Dale are struggling for goals and have signed striker Gary Williams - who has scored two goals in two games - on loan from Accrington Stanley for a month.

Dale manager Jim McCluskie defended his decision. He said: "Dave's had his ups and downs and I felt a move might be right for him. He hasn't hit the net and we have been bringing players in and we are having to lighten the wage bill.

"I had big plans for him this season, he did well for me last year but I just felt that I was asking him to do things that other strikers had been doing against us and I didn't feel he could do it.

"He's not the most aggressive person, he's a lovely lad but you need a lot more. I have played at this level, I know what is needed and I know how tough it is.

"You have to be physical and look after yourself and that's not one of Dave's strengths.

"He's a free agent but if any manager wants to ring me to discuss him, I will do anything to help him find a new club."

ROSSENDALE are at home to Guiseley tomorrow, looking for their first league win in nine games.

They last won a league game on December 26 against Radcliffe Borough.