JIM McCLUSKIE has hauled his troops out of their worst spell since he took over at Rossendale United - and now he wants to lead them to promotion.

McCluskie has been in charge at Dark Lane for 15 months and took his side to promotion from the North West Counties First Division last season.

They stormed to the top of the UniBond First Division this season with seven wins from the first 10 league games and took UniBond Premier side Barrow to a replay in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.

But defeat on penalties and serious injuries to keeper Mark Andrews and influential centre half Steve Bird seemed to knock the stuffing out of the side.

They won just one of the next seven league games, crashed out of the FA Umbro Trophy to Bedworth in the replay after throwing away a two-goal lead in the first game, and slipped to ninth in the league.

The critics said their good start had been beginner's luck and that they had now found their 'true' position, but McCluskie knew they could get back up there.

They have won the last four games - three in the league and one in the UniBond League Cup - and are back up to fourth in the table.

"We have had three of four players come back from injury and I knew when they did that our results would improve.

"Jerome Fitzgerald, Mark Andrews and Paul Lynch are now fit and we have signed a couple so there is good all-round competition for places again."

Former Leigh striker Troy Hayder, who McCluskie describes as having 'frightening pace' has signed as has former Burnley defender Chris Scott.

But it is a player who doesn't always get the praise he deserves that has really pleased McCluskie over the past few games.

"Matt Houldsworth has slotted in at centre half and he has been outstanding.

"He is quality and I am particularly pleased because he had an injury early on in the season and then couldn't get into the side but he had a few games in the reserves, got his head down and he has been excellent in the last three or four games."

McCluskie says getting through the bad spell was one of the biggest tests of his managerial career.

"There was a lot of soul-searching because for 15 months it has been non-stop success and it came off the rails quickly.

"People were asking questions of a few people and there were some harsh words said but they have pulled together and worked hard and got their rewards."

The side faced a similar test at the end of last season and pulled through in remarkable style.

"We lost three games at Easter but went on to win the last five to get promotion.

"Obviously this is a different level but I have been pleasantly surprised again."

McCluskie believes there is more to come from his side.

"I said before the start of the season that I would be happy to be in the top 10 at Christmas but I wanted to finish in the play-offs.

"There are five places to play for because two go up automatically and three go to the play-offs and we are capable of finishing in the top five."

Dale face Workington at Dark Lane tomorrow, a side they beat 3-0 away from home earlier in the season.

"They are struggling but they have just got a new manager and on their day they are capable of beating anyone."

ROSSENDALE are away at league leaders Radcliffe Borough on Boxing Day.