MARK Molyneaux said he could have no complaints about being sacked as Rossendale United manager, insisting: "I deserved it!"

The 43-year-old player manager and his assistant, Wayne Goodison, parted company with the Dark Lane side after they scraped a draw at home to fellow strugglers Belper Town.

It proved to be the final straw for chairman Declan Callan and his board, after Rossendale avoided relegation to the North West Counties League only on a technicality at the end of last season and have won only three of their 15 games this season.

"We knew it was in the pipeline," said Molyneaux, who has been succeeded by former Ramsbottom United manager Derek Egan.

"I'm very good with things like that and knowing how people are going to react.

"They made the decision (to sack me) and told me after Saturday's game, and I deserved it.

"I think the players were more upset than me, but they have to take responsibility as well though. We had injuries but the players that came in were good enough to get a top-five slot, but they didn't.

"We've done all right but not as well as we should do.

"The league's really poor this year and if you can't be there in amongst the top teams then it's not good enough.

"The injuries we've had have been horrendous, but I don't want to hide behind those."

Molyneaux had suggested to chairman Callan last month it might be time for him to step down but he was encouraged to stay and try to turn their season around.

But after a decent FA Cup run, Dale continued to struggle at home.

"The high points in football are great and you've got to take the low points and get on with it," Molyneaux said.

"I really believe if we hadn't had the injuries we've had, we would be a lot higher up than what we are.

"I'm more frustrated for the players than anything because they are very good players individually and shouldn't be playing at this level.

"Myself and Wayne have always tried to help players progress. But it's a results industry and it just hasn't worked for us."

He added: "I've never been a quitter. I don't believe in leaving for the sake of it, only if it will be for the benefit of the club.

"I really do want them to succeed because there are people there who do work hard behind the scenes. There are some first-class people at the club and they deserve better."