ROSSENDALE United are keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s ‘relegation’ after receiving final confirmation that they will remain in UniBond First Division North during 2009/10.
Rossendale slipped into the division’s only relegation spot on the last day of the season and looked set to lose their UniBond status for the first time in eight years and slip back to the Vodkat Premier Division.
But various promotion and relegation issues thoughout the non-league pyramid have meant that UniBond First Division North has expanded from 21 to 22 clubs for next season, earning the Stags a reprieve.
Chairman Steve Hobson, who recently appointed former Rossendale player John Hughes as the club’s new manager, said: “I am delighted we have retained our status.
“If we had gone into the North West Counties League we would have dealt with it, but I would say this will help us financially because clubs have a bigger following in the UniBond League.
“When Halifax came here there was 900, so just that one game was a big boost.
“Second from bottom will be a success next season. John is building a team for the future and anything above that I will be delighted with.”
Hughes and new assistant Mick Graham will be present at a ‘meet the manager’ event at the social club in Dark Lane tomorrow from 8pm.
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