Spotland in Brief

The Spotland pitch looking good after the recent repair work

The summer months have seen a couple of amendments to the player's squad numbers with the notable movers being Gary Jones, who has moved from number 11 to number 8 and Simon Ramsden, who next season will be wearing the number two shirt number.  The most popular name purchased by fans last season was Rickie Lambert and as a result he'll continue to wear the number 17 shirt.

Phil Collinson, Groundsman, commenting on the pitch, said: "The pitch has responded well to the repair work done on it in the last few months and it looks and feels a million times better than it did this time last year.  Without tempting fate I'm sure it will hold up to the rigors of the weather in the North-West a little better throughout this season."

Local artist Jack Hammill has recruited Sir Cyril Smith in his attempts to raise money for the ongoing pitch appeal.  Sir Cyril will be present at the Town Hall on Friday 28 July from 7.30pm to auction off a series of Jack's paintings with all the money raised going to pay for the repairs to the Spotland pitch that have taken place this summer.

The club would like to welcome First Option Mortgages to Spotland as next season they will be acting as the official sponsors of the club's Centre of Excellence.  Funding for the C of E always falls short of what is needed to ensure the teams run properly and the money donated by First Option will go a long way to bridging this shortfall.

Tickets for the friendly with Manchester City on Saturday 22 July will remain on sale until 5pm on Friday.  Supporters are reminded that they can pay on the turnstiles on the day or alternatively can purchase tickets in advance for the same price of £10 adults and £5 concessions.  A 32-page Voice of Spotland will be on sale on the day for £2.  The club would like to thank sponsors for the match The Church Inn and Landbridge Shipping.

One place remains vacant in an executive box on the halfway line for anybody interested in watching the action from the warmth and comfort of inside.  The one remaining place comes complete with complimentary programme, team sheet and tea amp; coffee facilities and for the season will cost £500 (this includes all competitive matches).  For further details contact Richard Wild on 0870 822 1969.

The club are hosting a business lunch in conjunction with Rochdale Online on Friday 21 July.  The venue is the Horners Lounge at Spotland Stadium and all local businesses are welcome to attend to have a look at our facilities and discuss potential ways in which they could get involved at the club.  Further details are available from Rod Barry (523583) at Rochdale Online or Simone Freeman (0870 822 1969) at Rochdale AFC.