Bishop Auckland born Simon Ramsden began his career at Sunderland as a trainee back in 2001.  He continued his development by taking time off from the Stadium of Light to go out on loan to Notts County in 2004 and went on to make 35 appearances in a season long spell.

The defender was released by Sunderland in the summer of 2004 and was snapped up Russell Slade at Grimsby Town.  Ramsden's first season with the Mariners went well.  He earned good reviews amongst the supporters and finished the season playing 26 games.

It was a different story during the following season for 'Rambo' after starting the campaign well for the Mariners.  Sadly injury ruled the defender out of the odd game or two and he spent much time after he'd recovered looking in from the outside. 

Steve Parkin brought Ramsden to Spotland in the January transfer window of 2006 and he went on to make his debut in the 1-1 draw with Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.Ironically he scored his one and only goal against his former side Grimsby in the 2-2 draw at Spotland in late March. 

 Ramsden went on to take his Dale appearances to 55 that term with his form earning him a new contract.He was again a regular fixture in the side during the 2007/8 season and contributed fully as the season only ended at Wembley with a narrow 3-2 defeat to Stockport County in the League 2 Play Off Final