Manager Keith Hill spoke to www.rochdaleafc.co.uk upon the completion of Matty Done’s move to Sheffield United.
He commented: “Matty Done has had a hell of time at the club. He helped us get promoted, albeit in a different position, and has been magnificent since we moved him to a number nine/ eleven position. He has been magnificent, not only as team player, but with his goal scoring aspects as well, but I believe we’ve struck the right balance by doing this deal.
“This is massive success for the football club and no-one should be blamed and the finger shouldn’t be pointed – this is really, really good business for the football club.
“From a club’s perspective, once there was an indication from Matty that it was something that he wanted to do, then we can’t beat him with a stick because we could never match the financial rewards that are on offer for him at Sheffield United in a million years. Doing this deal with struck a really good balance."
He continued: “We turned down other bids [from Sheffield United] this month and I believe that I was pre-empting the possibility of this happening with my recruitment when you consider the business that we’ve done in getting Reuben Noble-Lazarus on a permanent basis and bringing Febian Brandy to the Football Club. Not only that, Joel Logan is stepping up to the mark, Callum Camps has hit form and Joe Bunney has been excellent on the training pitch.
“If you look at Calvin – he has been developing on the training pitch and he’s stepping up to the mark. He’s performing really well as a substitute so maybe it’s time for him to get his starting position as well.
“There’s also an added bonus that myself and my staff are witnessing what’s happening on the training pitch and when players are getting ready, which is why we’ve reluctantly accepted the bid. Although he will be sorely missed, I feel as though we’ve done the correct thing for Matty Done as well from the moral stance.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to Matty and wish him all the best for the future.”