VODKAT League chiefs will make a decision this afternoon as to whether crisis club Rossendale United can play their game at Squires Gate tomorrow – but admit that the Stags’ future is bleak.
United have been rocked after boss Paul Colgan and his coaching staff walked out of Dark Lane this week, claiming their positions have become “untenable” in the wake of the water supply at Dark Lane being cut off because of unpaid bills.
Secretary Wendy Ennis has also quit and owner Andrew Connolly is out of the country.
It remains unclear whether the Stags could put out a team for tomorrow’s game against the Blackpool outfit – but Vodkat League secretary John Deal told the Lancashire Telegraph that the decision will be taken out of their hands by the Vodkat League management committee.
“As a league we are aware of the problems at Rossendale with the water being cut off and other utilities likely to follow, according to what we have heard,” said Deal.
“They do not know if they can raise a team for the game tomorrow when they are due to be at Squires Gate.
“It would be unfair to leave Squires Gate waiting to see if Rossendale turn up – and we will decide at a management meeting this afternoon if that game goes ahead.
“We can’t look any further forward than that at the moment.”
While some players have indicated they wish to leave, Deal says that issue is also complicated.
“Because the secretary has resigned, players have to be released by the owner unless they want to make an appeal direct to the league,” he added.
“We have tried unsuccessfully to contact Mr Connolly, who is away until Wednesday, and things are in limbo at the moment.
“Until we hear from Rossendale that they are either folding as a club or continuing we are in limbo with any decision, aside from that about tomorrow’s game.
“As a league we do not want to see teams fold – but I have to admit that from a personal point of view things do not look good.”
The Stags
* Rossendale United was formed in 1898.
* They played in the Lancashire Combination for 69 years.
* Best player was Bob Scott who scored 223 goals in 203 games.
* They played Bolton Wanderers in the 1972 FA Cup.
* Keeper Carlo Nash played for them in the 1990s.
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