ROSSENDALE United boss Derek Egan is encouraged that the Stags are on the right track to stability after agreeing to stay on as manager.

Egan was on the brink of parting company with the Dark Lane outfit at the end of last season, after growing frustrated by United's lack of direction and repeated inability to pay players' wages.

But the day-to-day running of the Stags has since been handed over to a supporters group steered by former United player and director Steve Hobson, passed on debt-free and leased on a small peppercorn rent by owner Andrew Connolly.

Egan has now reversed his decision to quit and, with assistant manager Brett Harris by his side, he is hopeful of a bright future.

"For the first time in a long while, there's plenty of happy, smiley faces around the club," said Egan.

"It's just nice to not have to worry about anything other than the football side of things.

"Last season was a very trying period for everybody. I ended up getting involved in certain things that I should not have been.

"But there are people now doing their best to ensure that I don't have to get involved again, and that it will work out."

Egan added: "As you know, anything could go wrong with Non League clubs, but at least we have got the basis of a good mix of people with the club at heart."

As United plan for the new UniBond Division One campaign, Egan admits to being satisfied with his playing budget.

He said: "It's a budget I can start with to get us going and it allows me to keep as much of the team as possible."