MICKY Graham has been sacked as the manager of Rossendale United following a four year stint in the Dark Lane hot-seat.

Graham was given the chop before Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup preliminary round defeat against Sheffield at Bramall Lane.

And the former Blackburn Rovers apprentice today claimed he was still in the dark as to the real reasons behind the decision.

"All I wanted to do was be measured on results but that hasn't happened," said Graham.

"We'd only played three games this season and lost against Clitheroe.

"But I know that in a couple of weeks time, once everyone was available again, we would have been up there challenging.

"But it's Andrew Connolly's club and his decision and I don't want to get dragged into a slanging match.

"I'm just disappointed in the way it has been done.

"I only got to know via a phonecall which is very disappointing after four years at the club.

"But people will make their own minds up."

Veteran striker Jim McCluskie, who has had previous spells as a caretaker with both Accrington Stanley and Chorley, has stepped into the breach.