As announced in the statement from the Board of Directors on Wednesday, Andrew Kelly has been appointed as Interim Chair of Rochdale Football Club.
It was also confirmed that Dan Altman and Emre Marcelli have joined the Board of Directors.
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Andrew has been a Director at Rochdale AFC since 2006, with a special interest in developing the Academy. He was a scholar with the club in his youth, during the reign of Tony Collins in the 1960s, and thus has a long association with RAFC.
“The unexpected departure of our Chairman Andrew Kilpatrick has resulted in my appointment as Interim Chair,” said Andrew.
“I will stay in post until a permanent Chairman has been appointed. As you probably know, a Virtual Fans Forum has been arranged when Board members, Brian Barry-Murphy and Lee Riley will answer questions from supporters. As previously stated, my appointment is temporary. However, I pledge to do the job to the very best of my ability and commit to do it with sincerity, openness and transparency.
“With this in mind, any of our supporters who wish to contact me personally can do so either by writing to me here at the Crown Oil Arena, or by arranging a personal (socially distanced) meeting at the club. I will meet individuals or small groups as necessary, but I do not intend to respond or react to any comments on social media.”
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Dan Altman has been working in professional football since 2014. As owner of North Yard Analytics, he has advised multiple clubs in the Premier League, Major League Soccer, and other competitions around the world.
He is also the creator of smarterscout, an online scouting platform covering more than 50 leagues with advanced player and squad analytics. Dale’s technical staff have had exclusive access to smarterscout’s complete database since December 2019, as well as tactical analysis of opposing teams during this season. Dan will be helping to guide the club’s search for a Sporting Director.
Emre Marcelli is a fund manager and credit risk expert. After a lengthy career in consumer finance and capital markets, he opened his own fund in New York. He also has significant experience in financial due diligence of European Football Clubs. Emre will be working with Tony Pockney and Nick Grindrod to oversee the club’s finances and identify investment opportunities.
Upon their appointments to the board, Dan said: “Emre and I are delighted to join the Board of this historic Football Club.
“We are grateful for the trust the Board has placed in us and will endeavour to repay it with our work on behalf of the staff and supporters.
“We will continue to invest our time and resources as we seek to bring the club success both on and off the pitch.
“We are looking forward to meeting supporters, albeit virtually, for the first time when we join our fellow Directors on the panel for next month’s Fans Forum.”
Full details on the Virtual Fans Forum, to be held on Wednesday 10th March, can be found HERE.