Dale striker signs for Sheffield Wednesday

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Chris O'Grady

Rochdale AFC striker, Chris O’Grady, has signed for Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.

O’Grady, 25, has signed a three year deal with the club.

Dale boss, Steve Eyre, spoke of Grady’s departure, he said: “I’m disappointed to lose Chris. I never got the chance to become emotionally attached to Chris in the short time I’ve been here, I was hoping for the opportunity. We had a great time together in Spain pre injury but since his injury I’ve worked it out that I have only worked with him for around 90 minutes.

“He was Keith Hill’s player, he was Rochdale’s player. The board took a bit of a chance on him when signing him in the first place but he flourished here but the muscle of Sheffield Wednesday proved too much, we did everything we could to keep him here. We offered him a new contract on increased terms which he turned down.

“I wouldn’t like to speak for Chris but I can bet there would have been a hell of a lot of soul searching from him about the decision. He spent a lot of time with me and Frank (Bunn) about his future. I’d like to think we have left a small imprint on his development but we wish him well.

“I know he will speak fondly of Rochdale and I hope he speaks fondly of myself and Frank.”

He added: “We will move on and our challenge now is to find the next Chris O’Grady although I have just thrown it open in the dressing room to make sure we don’t have to look too far as that person could already be here.

“I’m fighting to get the best players to come to this club, I’ve got a fine budget and I will ask for some more money if the right person comes along. I’m at a game tomorrow night and will be on the phone all day. There have been enquiries made to clubs but with the talent I want to bring in I would imagine I’m in a long queue!”

The Chairman, Chris Dunphy, added: “When a player has decided that he is not going to sign another contract for you then you've got to move him on as soon as you can. Not just for the clubs sake but for the player's. There is definitely no lack of ambition here. We feel somebody was paid to upset Chris and turn his head. We offered him a deal that would have made him the clubs highest ever earner but Wednesday came back and tripled what we offered.”