A STRUGGLING football club which was kicked out of its league has taken a major step towards the formation of a new club.

Rossendale United FC has now been granted limited company status by the Financial Services Authority under the rules of an Industrial and Provident Society.

This latest update means the 113-year-old club is now in a position to reform and issue shares at £1 each, and corporate shares at a price yet to be decided.

The club is now appealing for volunteers to help progress forward with a view of playing at the start of 2012-13 season.

In a statement, the club said: “The club needs members of the general public and local businessmen to fill roles in the club such as financial personnel to monitor the shares issues, and experts to help apply for grants to facilitate developing a stadium in which they will play.

“Rossendale have contacted the council regarding pitches and are shortly to have a meeting with them.

“We are also in need of a commercial manager.”

Rawtenstall company ISSL Internet Solutions Services Ltd have agreed to build a website which should be up and running soon.

The future of Dark Lane club looked bleak after they were expelled from the North West Counties League in June.

The decision marked another low point in a miserable 2011 for the club, which saw the water supply to their Dark Lane home cut off in February because of unpaid bills and the manager Paul Colgan walk out, taking his coaching staff with him.

The club’s motto is 'Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them' after overcoming difficulties.

Anyone in a position to help the club should email the steering committee at davidrudge@rossendalefc.org.uk or ronashworth@rossendalefrc.org.uk