DEPARTING Rossendale United chairman Declan Callan has been hailed as the man who turned the club around.

Callan, the youngest chairman in the UniBond League until his resignation last week, stepped down due to work and family commitments after three years at the helm.

And the 41-year-old has been praised for getting the Dark Lane club on a sound financial footing, while overseeing the club's progress on the field under manager Derek Egan.

Director Steve Hobson said: "Declan has been at the head of a huge turnaround at the club.

"We have gone through some very difficult times over the past three years, where some tough decisions have had to be made.

"He has helped us build a stronger business that will be ready to meet the challenges success will bring.

"Everyone at the club wishes him well, particularly in his work, such that one day he will return as a major sponsor."

Callan added: "The decision to stand down from the board at Rossendale United has been a difficult one.

"However, it was made easier in the knowledge that I leave behind real football people working hard to develop the club, and a management team who will deliver to the supporters the success that all the hard work by volunteers deserves."

The Dale board have yet to decide upon Callan's successor.