ROSSENDALE United owner Andrew Connolly insists he won't turn his back on the Stags despite a period of upheaval at the club.

Director Steve Hobson and secretary Kevin Proctor tendered their resignations last week reportedly saying they weren't getting the support of people "who were not volunteers" within the club.

Proctor has since agreed to stay on but, in a statement, Mr Connolly said he was hurt by some of the comments both in the press and on the club's fans' forum.

But he has insisted he will not walk away from Dark Lane, and has also called on the people of the Valley to get behind the Stags.

"Could I just remind everyone where the club was when I first took over? It was on the brink of insolvency," he said.

"It is now the best playing surface in the Valley, has new lights, new stands, a great club house, a new car park and is one of the best sides in the league with a fantastic manager.

"All this bad press addressed at me personally is a massive kick in the teeth.

"I have personally invested £370,000 into the club which has put enormous strain on my main business.

"But what needs to happen now if Rossendale is to have a future is for the people of Rossendale to turn up and support the club, which is what these guys needed - not me."

Connolly added that he would be at 6.30pm tonight to answer any questions from supporters ahead of their home game against Skelmersdale United.

He added: "I would love all Rossendale United supporters to attend and will speak with them personally. I really hope there is a great turnout."

Meanwhile, events off the field have not affected the team's form on it as they go into tonight's game at Dark Lane (kick-off 7.45pm) on the back of two impressive away wins, having beaten Goole 4-0 and Gresley 4-1.

"We've converted the chances we've created in both games and got what we deserved.

"We've looked a bit more confident in ourselves," said manager Derek Egan.

"What's gone on behind the scenes has not affected the team.

"We've got results at a time when the club really needed them."

Kyle Ingham is doubtful for tonight but Mitch Pickup is available after missing Saturday's trip to Gresley.