ROSSENDALE UNITED have reported neighbours Ramsbottom to the FA for illegally approaching five of their players.

In a bizarre twist to a long-running saga between the two clubs, Ramsbottom could be hauled before the Lancashire FA to explain the actions of their new coach Chris Willcocks, who was a Rossendale player only a month ago.

Rossendale, who play in the UniBond first division, allege that Willcocks 'tapped up' five of their reserve team players, contravening league rules which state that seven days' notice must be given to a player's club before a player is approached about a possible move.

Rossendale were fined £100 by the Lancashire FA at the beginning of the season when they were found guilty of making an illegal approach to Ramsbottom player Mike Smith.

They had denied the charge.

Ramsbottom secretary John Maher said the North West Counties first division club would launch an investigation.

"Rossendale have made a complaint against actions alleged to have been taken by Chris Willcocks," he confirmed.

"We need to have a look at it from our end and if we find that he has tapped up players from Rossendale we will plead guilty.

"I believe it is tit for tat over the complaint we made at the beginning of the season against Rossendale but it is a fact that is he has done it he shouldn't have and he will be told in no uncertain terms that if he wants to continue as a coach at Ramsbottom he does not do things like that."