First summer signing for Dale

James Spencer

Dale manager Keith Hill has made his first signing of the summer bringing in goalkeeper James Spencer. The former Stockport County man has signed a two-year deal with Rochdale and it is a move that looks certain to end Matt Gilks' association with the club.

Spencer admitted he's delighted with the move and is looking forward to the start of the new season after what he deemed a frustrating time at County. He said: "I wasn't playing many games at Stockport and the opportunity came along to come here. I spoke to Matt Gilks and Adam Le Fondre and they both said it was a great place to come and I'm delighted to have signed now.

"I was annoyed by the lack of opportunity at Stockport because I have been there a long time. The only thing I wanted to do was play games and I wasn't getting that so I'm very pleased to come here. The results at the end of the season for Rochdale were fantastic and to now be part of a side full of hungry and eager players is something I'm looking forward too very much.

"Although I wasn't involved in the 7-2 thumping at Stockport I was there watching and it just goes to prove that on the day Rochdale are a very potent side. They are strong going forward and that is something that has been seen not just at Edgeley Park but at many grounds last term.

"The biggest thing for me now is to get the season rolling, I am young and I feel very fresh and with the squad being fairly young at Spotland I think I'll fit in quite well. It is important to start the season well and I'm sure after a good pre-season we will hit the ground running."

New Publicity Officer

The club have announced that BBC Manchester's Mike Brookes will take over as Publicity Officer at Rochdale, a position he'll take up from Monday 4 June.

Mr Brooks is a life long Rochdale fan and has been reporting on Dale matters for a number of years not just on the airwaves, but through local newspapers and websites and he admits it is a position he is looking forward to taking up.

"I cannot wait to get started  because for me it is quite simply my dream job," said Mike.  "It is a fresh challenge and it is one I'm looking forward to get my teeth into."

Current club press officer Stuart Ashworth will take on a new role within the club as Projects Manager.