UNDER-PRESSURE Great Harwood boss Denis Underwood today insisted he's still the man to save the struggling Reds from relegation.

The beleagured Showgrounders are currently second bottom in the NWCL First Division having won just twice all season and last week's 6-0 thrashing by Woodley Sports was the nadir in a miserable campaign.

But former Clitheroe chief Underwood is not about to walk away from the toughest challenge of his managerial career.

And, as Harwood prepare to face in-form Rossendale United at Dark Lane tomorrow, Underwood has threatened to wield the axe if he doesn't see an immediate improvement.

"I'll keep going until someone tells me otherwise because I'm not a quitter," said Underwood.

"I had a bit of a do at the players on Saturday and, if I don't get the right response tomorrow, then I'll be showing some of them the door.

"Every game is a tough one for us at the moment because I just don't know what I'm going to get from people, consistency wise.

"But, without wanting to make excuses, it has been difficult because we've now had 20 games called off the season so it's been hard to get a run together."

If the current situation wasn't bad enough, Underwood has been dealt a further blow by the news that Clive Dunn has been forced to retire due to a knee injury.

The 37-year-old midfielder is suffering from a cruciate ligament problem and has decided to hung up his boots on medical advice.

"That's a real blow, not only for me but the lad himself," said Underwood.

"He's been a great servant to me and to non-League football in general.

"He seems to have followed me to every club I've been at and he always gave you that extra bit of quality."

Underwood is hoping to have Martin Horsfield and Andy Taylor back tomorrow, however, against a Dale side in confident mood after last week's 2-1 victory over Clitheroe.