Russ Green appointed Rochdale AFC Chief Executive

Russ Green appointed Rochdale AFC Chief Executive

Rochdale Football Club has appointed Russ Green as the club’s new Chief Executive.

The Board of Directors will oversee a transitional period at Spotland as outgoing Chief Executive Colin Garlick works with Mr Green to ensure a smooth transition before Mr Garlick's departure to Port Vale.

Mr Green was previously Chief Executive at Hartlepool United, where he spent 14 years.

He began working at Victoria Park in May 2002, originally arriving as Commercial Manager before being appointed as Chief Executive five years later.

His work at the North East club saw him named as Chief Executive of the Year in 2014 and 2015.

Mr Green said: “I’ve always admired Rochdale. I think the way the Board of Directors run the club on the resources they have is absolutely fantastic.

“After speaking to the Chairman and the Directors, I feel as though we can now take the club to another level.

“In any industry you’ve got to have an ambition and the ambition of this football club is to build the infrastructure to obtain Championship football.

“There are a lot of good people here and I’m looking forward to working with them. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Dale Chairman Chris Dunphy commented: “I was aware that Russ was available after having stepped down from his role at Hartlepool, so when Colin informed the Board of Directors of his intention to leave, Russ was, without a doubt, a standout candidate. Russ is someone I have known for some time and I am absolutely delighted that he has agreed to take up the role.

“After securing ownership of Spotland Stadium at the end of last season, Russ joins us at a very important time for the club.

“We’re now in a position where we can strive to set up an infrastructure to start laying the foundations for Championship football, and I believe Russ is the ideal person to lead the club forward.”