David Smith-Markl appointed new Dale retail manager

David Smith-Markl has been appointed Dale’s new Retail Manager and will start in post on Monday 4 July.

He will manage all aspects of the club shop and online store.

Mr Smith-Markl has a strong retail management background having worked for companies including The Co-Op, Spar and Home Bargains, and has been a season ticket holder at Dale for over 20 years. His late father, Colin Smith-Markl, was a former chairman of the Supporters Club in the 1980s.

Mr Smith-Markl said: “I am honoured to be joining Rochdale AFC as retail manager, it is a dream come true.

"I’ve been an avid supporter of the Dale all my life and I've got so many ideas for the club shop and the online store, as well as welcoming new ideas and suggestions from the supporters. I just can’t wait to get started.”

He will take over from Stuart Ashworth who has worked at the Club for the past 15 years. Mr Ashworth is leaving to pursue his own photography business but will still be involved in adhoc projects.

A spokesperson said: "On behalf of everybody at the Club, we would like to thank Stuart for his hard work and contributions and wish him all the best for the future, and welcome David to the team."