PHIL Eastwood has been appointed caretaker manager of Rossendale United following Derek Egan’s departure from Dark Lane.

Egan, who spent three years with the Stags, left the club after being told that the club’s wage bill will be cut.

Due to tough financial times at the Stags, the UniBond Division One (North) club have decided to “cut their cloth”.

“We’ve spent the last two years keeping the club on an even keel,” said United chairman Steve Hobson.

“We’ve got to the point this season where we’ve had to cut back.

“We can’t jeopardise all that good work by spending money that we haven’t got.

“It wasn’t just the players’ wage bill, but the whole club.

“There was no falling out with Derek – we respected his decision to leave. I understand how difficult it would be for him.”

Stags striker Eastwood will now take temporary charge, starting with Saturday’s clash at Colwyn Bay, and he may be offered the job on a permanent basis.