We can confirm that both Tomasz Cywka and Jack O’Connell have returned to their parent clubs following the end of their loan spells at Spotland.
Cywka made four appearances for Rochdale during his time on loan from Blackpool, while O’Connell, who was a main stay in Dale’s promotion winning side last season, was again regularly involved, notching up 19 starts since September and netting three goals.
We’d like to thank both players for their hard-work, endeavour and contribution during their time at the club.
Speaking to Dale Player on Tuesday, Manager Keith Hill, commented: “Tomasz Cywka has gone back now. I don’t want to stand in the way of the likes of Callum Camps, who has been exceptional on the training pitch - that has been evident over the last month. I’ve got to look at Billy Hasler-Cregg as well and prepare them players for next season.”
He continued: “We do need another defender, there’s no question about that, but it’s probably a game of poker. I’m not too sure whether we’ve run out of opportunity with recruiting or retaining Jack. He’s obviously gone back and is part of the first team squad there [at Blackburn].
“They’ve got an embargo, which means it’ll be difficult for them to recruit players, so for somebody who has got the experience like Jack has got playing for the last two seasons, I think he could be a valuable member of the Blackburn squad from here on in.
“But he’s a player that we would always embrace and open the doors to for his return. In my estimations he’s an exceptional player and he’s a player that I’d like to recruit, but barring Jack, I have to look at other alternatives because I can’t always get Jack back. I believe that we’re probably one central defender shy of where we need to be, but I can’t argue with the way that the central defenders performed on Saturday.”
We'd like to wish both players the very best of luck for the future.