Daniel Adshead admits “it’s a dream come true” to have signed his first professional contract for the club he’s been at since the age of nine.
Just days after his 17th birthday, the young midfielder penned a three-year deal.
“I know everyone says it, but it’s a dream come true,” said Adshead.
“I’ve been working hard since I started playing football to become a professional footballer, so I’m really happy.
“I’ve been at the club for nine years and I have a special bond with it - I love it here.”
Adshead made his senior debut almost a year ago to the day, starting in Dale’s Checkatrade Trophy group stage against Bury while still at school. Prior to that, he’d been regularly training with the first team over a two-year period during the school holidays, something Adshead believes has been beneficial for his development.
“Because I have trained with the first team every single holiday since I was 14, it has made it [the transition into full-time football] so much easier for me, and that’s why, looking back on it, I think the manager and staff have done that. It has been comfortable for me to settle into the full-time environment and I’m loving it.”
Adshead has also praised the staff and the players for being “very accepting” of him, when he came into the squad at a very young age.
“With all the lads helping me and with the manager keeping me in around the first team, it has been great for me.
“They’ve been very accepting, and without them being so accepting, I probably wouldn’t have fitted into the team so well. They’ve made me feel so comfortable and always supported me both on and off the pitch.”
With 10 senior appearances under his belt so far, what have been his most favourite moments in a Dale shirt?
“When I made my debut against Bury away. That was special for me and my family. Coming on against Tottenham at Wembley in the FA Cup at Wembley was also very good moment.”
Watch the full interview with Dan on iFollow.