ROSSENDALE manager Jim McCluskie believes he has signed a gem in snapping up former Rovers, Bolton and Preston midfielder Mark Patterson.

The 36-year-old, who was at Accrington Stanley last season, looks likely to play his final season at Dark Lane before he hangs up his boots.

But McCluskie thinks the Darwen-born player will be a vital cog as they return to the UniBond First Division after 12 years out.

"I think Mark will be just what we need. He has come up for the last two sessions, he has so much experience and his level of fitness is fantastic," said the Dale boss.

"He will also be good off the field as the lads can learn a lot off him.

"When those kind of players come available you have got to go for them."

Unfortunately Patterson is not available for the first game -- a trip to Matlock Town tomorrow -- as he is on holiday.

"We were aware of that but we are just glad he wants to join us. This is his last season playing and he wants to go out on a high."

McCluskie has also added the Ramsbottom trio of Chris Willock, Mike Smith and Darren Bowman to his squad and also centre half Gareth West, a former Burnley trainee, has signed from Witton Albion.

In return, Rossendale have parted company with Jody Banim, Paul Heavy, Darren Norman and Jamie Webster.

And striker David Gray and John Bowman are currently battling against injury. Gray will miss the first six weeks of the season with a fractured fibia while Bowman is struggling with a back injury.

On the plus front, highly rated Craig Sargeson, who top scored in the NWCL Division One with 39 goals last season, has re-signed.

"That is a massive boost for the club. His contract ended last season, it was a little bit up in the air but he has decided to stay," said the boss.

"The last three seasons he has done really well for us and I am looking forward to watching him make the step up. With the signings we have cover all over the park now."

McCluskie's side were champions of the NWCL Division One last season, going for just one promotion spot.

Now, there are three promotion places up for grabs with two going up and a play-off battle between the clubs in third, fourth and fifth place and third from bottom of the Premier League for the last remaining spot.

"That will make it really interesting. It means if you are in the top half of the table over Christmas you still have a lot to play for.

"I think the NWCL is the hardest league to get out of as there is only one place, here we have three.

"People say Harrogate have spent money and Ossett have John Beresford in charge. But I think it is quite open and I can't wait to see what happens."