Manager Keith Hill has spoken to Dale Player about the departure of Stephen Dawson, who has agreed to join Scunthorpe United when his Rochdale contract expires this summer.
“We offered Stephen a deal on the same terms and would have been flexible in negotiating upwards but not to the extent that Scunthorpe have,” said Hill.
“Scunthorpe are going to be a big hitter in League One next season financially. They were last season when you consider the investment that their new Chairman has made since he took over and there has been a big investment in Stephen Dawson.”
He continued: “We gave Stephen an opportunity last year because when we came to us he wasn’t match fit and he hadn’t had a good summer, but for what you would consider the belly of the season, I thought he was tremendous for us and I’m really thankful that we gave him that opportunity.
"I would like wish Stephen all the best. I wish I could have kept him but I can’t look negatively on what the Board of Directors and the Chairman provide for me as a Manager. I also need to make sure that I’m looking after the financial well-being of the football club because so many Managers don’t."
The full interview is available to view on Dale Player.