ROSSENDALE were spared relegation last season courtesy of a non-league restructuring.

John Hughes’ side face Leigh Genesis at Dark Lane tomorrow, a side relegated from the Unibond Premier last season, and Hughes sees them as the main threat other than Halifax.

Despite their 3-2 pre-season loss at home to Mickleover Sports last Saturday, former Chorley and Great Harwood boss Hughes was positive about his outfit.

“We’ve a very young squad,” he said. “I think the average age is about 20.

"I’ve gone with a young squad, so hopefully the experience of the older players will rub off on them.

“They’re a good set of lads, and a good team bond could go a long way.

"I put a couple of the lads in different positions last Saturday, and they could play there, so the versatility is pleasing.

“I also had two players on trial, and straight after the game I signed them on, which was another positive,” he added.

Hughes is under no illusion of the difficult season which could lie ahead: staying up.

“The aim is to stay in the league, anything else is a bonus.

"On the odds on the website, I think we’re outsiders to stay up,” he laughed.

“There are no easy games, you’ve got to build a good squad and hopefully we can gel together and upset a few of the big teams."