Manager Keith Hill has thanked his Blackburn Rovers counterpart for giving him the opportunity to bring Jack O’Connell back to Spotland.
O’Connell, who spent last season on loan at Dale from the Championship side, returned to Spotland on Monday evening in a loan deal which will see him at the club in January.
Hill has made no secret of the fact that he was keen secure the services of O’Connell following his successful spell at the club last term, and speaking upon completion of the deal, Hill admitted that he was delighted.
He told the club’s official website: “I’ve been a bit of a pest with Gary [Bowyer, the Rovers Manager].
“I’ve been on the phone to him virtually every day and he’s answered my phone calls. He’s done me a favour again, which I’m really appreciative of.
“And I’ve got to apologise to Gary to be honest because he might have got an injunction out against me, “laughed Hill. "I’ve also got to thank Blackburn Rovers for allowing me the opportunity to recruit Jack.”
He continued: “I wish it could have been done earlier but it’s always difficult when you’re trying to recruit somebody - it’s not always smooth.
“Blackburn had one or two injuries, so it took a little bit longer than expected, but I’ve been patient with it.
“I was constantly looking at the press to see who Blackburn were being linked with and to see if it was a central defender. Obviously they got Shane Duffy, which allowed us to recruit Jack on loan.
“I know there were other clubs desperate to sign Jack but he wanted to come back to Rochdale Football Club if he wasn’t to be a first team regular for Blackburn. I think he found a footballing home here last
season.
“Jack, for me, was worth the hard work and the patience because I like him so much as a player and as a person. I’m really pleased to have recruited him.”