Delving through some old bits and bats round the house and found my professional contract signed on 1st July 1985 at Dale, which saw me making 32 appearances before having to retire through injury, leading to setting up the extremely influential Football in the Community (Community Trust) for over 35 years and also involved at the Club as Centre of Excellence (Academy) Director, Youth Team Assistant Manager/Coach, First Team Scout and presently running the popular Rochdale AFC Former Players Association as Dale Supporters Trust Board member, organising match day hospitality presentations.
Highlights over the many years has been seeing local youngsters, including es-Rochdale players, Ethan Brierley, Jamie Allen and Fabio Tavares, coming through community activities to progress at the Club’s Academy plus Keira Walsh’s initial development in football through the efforts of Siobhan McElhinney (Community Trust Assistant Manager) at Healey Primary School joint fun/coaching programmes with the Trust.
Other memorable moments are being part of the Rochdale Freedom of the Borough award through the Club’s community involvement, EFL North West Community Club of the Year Award, PFA Division One Community Player of the Year (Calvin Andrew) but mainly overseeing numerous programmes benefiting the Rochdale and surrounding communities through engagement in health, education, diversity and equality.
Absolutely enjoyed my time at the Dale and to continue for much longer!!!!
