GOAL-ACE Andy Gayle today launched a stinging attack on the owners of Rossendale United after deciding to walk out on the North West Counties League club.

The quicksilver striker has quit Dark Lane for St Helens Town in protest at the sacking of former boss Micky Graham.

Gayle had only joined Dale in the summer after Graham had persuaded him to sign from Nantwich Town, where he had bagged over 30 goals last season.

But the move quickly turned sour when Graham was shown the door and swiftly replaced by Jim McCluskie.

And Gayle believes it was all part of a hidden agenda.

"To be honest, I decided to leave because of the way Micky Graham got sacked so early into the season," said Gayle. "I didn't think he was given a fair crack of the whip considering we were only four games into the season, especially after what he has done for Rossendale over the last couple of years.

"He did a great job on very limited resources and I just felt that there was a lot more going on behind the scenes than people were letting on.

"I felt somebody else had been lined up for the job beforehand, maybe before even a ball had been kicked.

"They were just looking for an excuse to get rid of Micky."

Gayle missed the chance to exact quick revenge in his new club's clash with Dale was postponed in midweek.

Meanwhile, United travel to Atherton Collieries tomorrow in the North West Counties League Division One.