BUOYANT Rossendale United manager Chris Brookes wants the entire Valley to pull together in support of the Stags after they came back from the brink last week.

Former Dark Lane and Chorley player Brookes was handed the manager’s job by United owner Andrew Connolly.

His first challenge was to get a team onto the pitch after three games were postponed following the water supply to the ground being cut off.

The Vodkat League had warned United they would be expelled from the competition if they did not take to the field against Winsford.

Brookes, who was boss of Ashton Athletic earlier this season, put a team together and they excelled in an entertaining 4-4 draw.

But while the manager was delighted as his side came from 3-2 and 4-2 behind, he is also well aware that there is much hard work to do.

“It was a good start for us to say we had only had the team together for a day or so,” said Brookes.

“It was great as we actually had too many players turn up and had to make the decision on who to leave out.

“That is good and I am still looking to bring new players in and we want to do what we can to keep the club up.”

While Brookes knows his charges can win their battle against the drop he is fully aware that support from the fans is vital.

“We now need everyone to be pulling in the same direction,” he said.

“You can’t expect the owner of the club to keep dipping into his pocket.

“We need the crowds to come along and keep on coming back to help us out.”