April 2025 Newsletter

Hi, and welcome.

This month, our April letter is a little truncated, mainly due to colleagues being on holiday and pressures from other sources. As usual, we welcome feedback on anything Trust, Dale or Fan-related and any questions or queries you may have or want the Trust to take up on your behalf.

With the new CAB now up and running we believe this gives the Trust even more opportunities to talk and work with representatives of the fan base and the local community. This is something we have always strived to do and we hope that going forward the Trust, on behalf of its hundreds of members, will be able to play an even bigger part in shaping the future of “The Dale”. We look forward with positivity to working with the new groups from the community which the CAB now facilitates.

Exciting times are ahead. It is also worth remembering that the Trust operates seven days a week for all twelve months of the year, so we are open for business each week (even at Christmas!). Our email addresses are active each day, and our website is updated regularly throughout the week. Our email and contact details are at the bottom of the Newsletter.

Keep the Faith.
UTD

Trust News/ From The Boardroom

News From The Board

Last month I reported on the significant development in the formation of the Club Advisory Board (CAB). On the 17^th of March, the initial “meet-up” of the individuals selected to represent the various profiles of supporters within the Club took place, and the proposed outline of how the project would develop was discussed.
The launch of the CAB is a most significant step in extending transparent involvement and a concerted effort to involve positive fan inclusion in the workings of the Club by taking into account the views, opinions and suggestions of the many and various profiles of individuals within our fan base. Regular future meetings are planned, where the overall intention will be to provide the opportunity for the fanbase, represented by the members of the CAB, to be actively involved in assisting to proactively influence future decisions made by the Club affecting everyone.
In addition to the CAB, this vital facility in the extension of fans involvement with the Club, the Trust remains actively involved in representing it members and the fanbase in general with its direct involvement through its Club Board appointed Director, and, as always, provides the opportunity for you to voice your comments, questions and suggestions for them to be brought to the Club’s attention. However, this can only take place by you contacting me, so email me on murray@daletrust.co.uk and I shall do my best to represent you with the Club and report back to you.

Up the Dale
Murray

From The Desk Of Dave Earnshaw
Trust Director and liaison with External Fan Bases.

The month of March had seen the introduction of the new Club advisory board CAB and both myself and Trust Chair Bob Morrisey have been put forward to represent the Trust so we will keep you all updated on the progress and subjects discussed whenever possible.

It’s unclear at the time of writing when the next meeting is due, probably due to the club being firmly focused on the coming cup tie against Spennymoor. Here’s hoping for the win and a potential trip to the Twin Towers (I don’t want to say the name just in case!)

As most will know from my previous posts, I’ve been working closely with the club and the newly named Dale 1907 (Formerly BOGS) on various areas to help boost the atmosphere inside the ground on match days. I have to say the effort that has been put in by this group is commendable and well done, as the Trust representative responsible I have to sa it’s a pleasure working with you all. It goes without saying that the Trust will continue, wherever possible, to support the newly renamed “Dale 1907 in its future fundraising initiatives.

I announced recently that the Trust are looking to support youth development, and this is still the case. I will update you all once more details are available.

I have been doing a lot behind the scenes for the up-and-coming Curry Night-14, and I hope to see lots of you on the night of Thursday, 17th April, in the 1907 lounge. We still have some spaces available, so if you want to attend, get your bookings in to us (see HERE). I would hate for anyone to be disappointed. The speakers on the night are,
1) Aaron Wilbraham
2) Keith Hill
3) Josh Lillis
Who all have good history with our beloved club and it plans to be a great night.

See you all soon
Up The Dale Keep The Faith Dave

Youth Matters
With Ruby Loynd. Director of Youth Development

Hendo End of Season Project
As we approach the end of Ian Henderson’s last season here at Dale we are gathering messages, photos, and memories to celebrate the amazing achievements and moments that have made his time at the club so special. Our players have already got involved and wrote their messages, so why don’t you too! If you’d like to be part of this celebration, you can send in your photos and memories to my email ruby@daletrust.co.uk or hand write some messages at any upcoming home games or screening in the Radcliffe —we’d love to include everyone!
Ruby Joins the CAB
I am excited to announce that I have joined the CAB (Club Advisory Board), where I will be representing both the U22s and Pearl Street Stand. While my role is separate from the Trust, I will still be available to help and act as an advocate when needed, as my role within the Trust will not change. This new role will ensure the voices of these groups are heard, and I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.
Looking Ahead: Summer and Next Season
Looking ahead, I am continuing to explore what we can run over the 6-week summer period, along with plans for the upcoming season. I’m focused on creating more opportunities for our community to get involved and continue building on the momentum we’ve gained this year. Stay tuned for updates as we finalise the details!
As always if you have any questions or anything you would like to raise, please don’t hesitate to email youthmatters@daletrust.co.uk.

Former Players Association
Trust Director and Former Players co-ordinator Keith Hicks.

March was an extremely busy month for hospitality appearances with all those home matches involving National and FA Trophy clashes, including:

Altrincham 1^st – Simon Ramsden

Wealdstone 8^th – Adam Rundle

Altrincham 11^th – Calvin Andrew

York City 25^th – Rhys Bennett

Aldershot 29^th – Willie Burns (as part of the Exiles Day)

Matches for April will feature:
Spennymoor Town 5^th – Will Buckley
Eastleigh 12^th – Steve Dawson
AFC Fylde 21^st – Aaron Wilbraham
Hartlepool 26^th – Ben Muirhead

The Q&A sessions with Martin Culshaw revealed some interesting insights from the players time at Dale including a couple of brilliant examples of events that happened that supporters will not have been privy to including the management team of John Coleman and Jimmy Bell, letting the lads go home early from training if they chipped in with £10 each! and Calvin Andrew’s connection to the Community Trust in engaging with player visits to numerous activities, all of which saw him the PFA Community Player of the Year for ELF Division One and was tipped to be the National winner but for Covid to see the cancellation of the PFA Awards.
It was also fantastic to hear from Simon and Adam, who played in the sadly defeated Play Off Final against Stockport County, including the decision to play Simon in midfield on that day and the wonder goal Adam scored.

——————-

Articles about ex-Dale players and further Information on the Rochdale AFC Former Players Association (FPA), including hospitality, appearances, plus players’ memories, can be found on:
Website: https://www.rochdalefpa.com/
Facebook: Rochdale Former Players Association
Email: formerplayers@daletrust.co.uk or Keith.hicks5@outlook.com

To inquire about hospitality, contact Andy Duff (Commercial Director) Andy.Duff@rochdaleafc.co.uk

The Former Players Association was launched in conjunction with the Supporters Trust and is aimed at anyone who has played at least one first team game for the Club and is looking to reunite those who have worn the Dale shirt at least once in the first team over the years We are committed to promoting both the Club and Supporters Trust to raise the profile of both Organisations, thus building the fan base at Rochdale AFC.
For anyone wishing to learn more about the FPA, visit www.rochdalefpa.com

CURRY ON UP THE DALE 14!

Well, our mystery man TBC is now not a mystery any more! Making up the third member of our guest party for the night is none other than our popular Keeper from the Hilly era and now coach at the Dale, Josh Lillis. Josh along with our two other guest is guaranteed to bring some fascinating insites to the night.

To book your tickets or table space, click HERE and follow the instructions. If you need more details or have a query, then contact Dave at info@daletrust.co.uk

NOTE
For those who wish to take a wee tipple on the night and are planning to go to Altrincham the next day, then the Trust Coach (leaving COA) at 1 pm may just be the ticket for you- safe luxury transport. See the Transport section in this newsletter or click HERE to book or email Emma, our travel co-ordinator, at travel@daletrust.co.uk

The Trust has always promoted responsible drinking; for those who feel they may need advice and support, the Drinkaware website may be able to help. Click HERE. Alternatively, contact the Trust Welfare Team for a full confidential chat, we will always try and help.

Altrincham Coach Travel
From Emma Loynd, Trust Director and Travel Co-ordinator.Welcome to the latest travel update.
Bookings are OPEN for the coach to Altrincham. Only £10 return per person, leaving at 1 pm from COA. Please email me to reserve your seats as soon as possible, as the coach is filling fast

I will be at the stadium again before the coach departs. Feel free to say hello. It is lovely to meet you all in person. It was fantastic to meet more of you before the Maidenhead match.

An update for further coach travel will be released in the coming weeks.
My fingers are crossed for a win on the 5th and a trip to Wembley!
Thank you all for your continued support; it is appreciated.

Emma
travel@daletrust.co.uk

To book, click HERE or follow the instructions below.To reserve your place, please email Emma, Trust Travel Coordinator, at travel@daletrust.co.uk

Once acknowledged please use the details below to pay and send a screenshot of your bank payment to travel@daletrust.co.uk, or see alternate payment methods below.

Book by paying by bank transfer:

Account name: Rochdale Supporters Club Ltd (this is a business account, not personal)

Sort Code 08-92-99

Account Number 65130258

In the reference section, please add your “name -game”, eg, D. Morris-York

(Please send a copy/screenshot of your remittance to Travel@daletrust.co.uk) Please use this email only for your travel arrangements.

Club shop: Cash only Weds pm – Saturday

The Trust On The CAB
As reported recently, the new Club Advisory Board has now been set up. We thank Jamie Willoughby, who is part of the Ogden ownership group, for acting quickly and efficiently in getting this off the ground. The Trust has been firmly behind this government-proposed idea (Often referred to by others as a “Shadow Board”). We strive (though some may think differently) through our work to include as much community diversity as possible, and the CAB can only enhance that. We look forward with real zeal to work positively with our new colleagues to take the club forward.

The Trust has two representatives, both from the Trust board (here): our Trust Chair Bob Morrisey and interim Vice Chair and colleague Dave Earnshaw take up the mantle on behalf of all members, where needed if cover is need itwill be provided from the trust board.

Our other Trust director, Ruby Loynd sits on the new organisation, not in a trust capacity though, but as representing both the U22s and Pearl Street Stand. See Ruby’s section above.

Spennymoor Postscript
Whilst some of this newsletter was penned just before our Spennymoor Cup game, with the letter being delayed we can add this postscript.

We do not want to comment on the game, but it would not be in sporting fairness if we did not congratulate Spennymoor on their achievement. Go on and win it now. Giant Killing has always been part of any cup competition, with smaller teams doing down bigger teams, and as disappointed as we are, we pick up and battle on. Playoffs, Wembley, time to dream again, maybe?
Leaving the actual game aside, we have taken many complaints about the logistics at the ground on match day. We have written to the club regarding this, and the statement we put out on our web can be seen here