THE future of Rossendale United hangs in the balance after the water supply to the club’s Dark Lane ground was cut off and manager Paul Colgan and his coaching staff quit, citing “untenable” working circumstances.

Colgan took the decision to walk away after the cash-strapped Stags saw their scheduled home game with Runcorn Linnets postponed on Tuesday after the water supply was disconnected.

According to the club’s official website, that action was taken because of unpaid bills.

Colgan – who says he fears for the future of the Stags – and coaches Garry Brown and Paul Williams quit ahead of Saturday’s Vodkat League Premier Division game at Squires Gate.

Colgan replaced John Hughes at the helm of the 113-year-old club last October and faced financial struggles throughout the season, struggles that led to the Vodkat League imposing a player registration embargo on the club.

Colgan, Williams and Brown released a statement last night which said they had little option but to leave.

“When we took over the management of the team we did so on the understanding that there would be little or no resources available,” read the statement.

“Nonetheless we were prepared to take up the challenge.

“Unfortunately, just before Christmas, the committee of volunteers supporting us left the club.”

Since former chairman Steve Hobson left in December, Colgan says players have not been paid.

The statement continued: “The final straw for us came on Tuesday when we turned up at Dark Lane for the league game against Runcorn Linnets and the water had been cut off, forcing the postponement of the match.

“We can do no more as the circumstances we now find ourselves faced with makes our position at Rossendale United untenable, leaving us with no alternative other than to resign.

“We worry for the club we have grown to love over the short time we have been here.”