Tom Kennedy has spoken to www.rochdaleafc.co.uk after penning a contract at Dale until the end of the season.
Kennedy, who has spent two loan spells away from Spotland this season, says he grabbed the opportunity to remain at Rochdale with both hands.
“It has been a strange season to say the least so I’m happy to be around familiar faces. I’ve got a great affiliation with the club and the Manager, and there’s also a great set of players and a great set of fans here. It's great to have signed to be honest.
“I’ve been training with the lads since last month, which allowed me to stay fit and keep my fitness levels up because Rochdale train hard. The Gaffer then came in with an opportunity for me to sign until the end of the season and I took it with both hands.
“My main focus now is having that will and hunger to get some game time and get Rochdale pushing for the play-offs.
“What the boys have achieved so far has been unbelievable, but as players and from within the club we firmly believe that we can kick on from here. With 18 games to go it’s a great opportunity to sneak in if you can and hang in there for as long as possible and maybe get the play-offs, but the main thing is getting consistency and continuing to play like the boys have been playing all season because they’ve been fantastic.”
Manager Keith Hill has said that he will call on his squad’s more experienced players such as Kennedy, Michael Rose and Stephen Dawson to guide his young players through the remainder of the season, something TK is fully inclusive in.
“I remember being a young lad myself and it’s tough, especially when the results don’t go your way. It’s for the older players to bring them through and guide them through because so far this season the young lads have been outstanding.
“It’s only fair that the older players help them, guide them and keep them on the right track. They’re the future of this club and you’ve got to look after them - that’s what they do at this club.”