The former Scunthorpe United defender arrived at Spotland in the summer of 2007 after impressing whilst on trial for the club.  He signed a one-year contract on the eve of the new season and was signed to shore up the defence alongside his former colleague at Glanford Park Mark Jackson.

Prior to his arrival Stanton had been a 'one club man' having spent his entire career in North Lincolshire with The Iron, having progressed through the youth ranks.  He actually captained the club aged 17 and in 7 years with the club he amassed more than 250 senior appearances.  In his time he established himself as one of the most consistent right-backs in the league and was picked in the Divisional Select XI on more than one occasion.

Stanton was been brought in to play centre-half at Spotland as his manager looked to utilise his pace and ability to read the game.  Very early in his Dale career, Nathan proved a firm fans' favourite with his strong tackling and ability to snuff out opposing attacks, and has captained the side in the absence of Gary Jones. As the season progressed his partnership at the back with Rory McArdle flourished with the pairs style of play complimenting each other very well and they were a big factor in the side reaching a first ever Play Off Final at Wembley in May 2008. Nathan again partnered Rory throughout most of the 2008/2009 season, where he helped Dale reach a second successive top 7 finish.