Rochdale Football Club would like to inform supporters of the following changes to the board of directors…
Following the departure of David Bottomley and Graham Rawlinson from the board of directors last week, Andrew Kelly, Tony Pockney and Nick Grindrod have acted swiftly and diligently to invite four new directors onto the board.
We are pleased to announce that Simon Gauge, Richard Knight and Jamie Sarsfield have accepted their offer to become directors and they will join the board imminently, subject to passing EFL Director tests, along with meeting several other conditions, which we expect to happen in the coming days.
We hope to make an announcement regarding the fourth candidate very soon.
All four are local businessmen and fans of the club, who come with nominations from a number of major shareholders.
Andrew Kelly has informed the board of his wishes to stand down from his role as interim chairman at the earliest opportunity, to return his focus to the Academy, and a new chairman is in the process of being decided. Mr Kelly will continue in the role until an appointment has been made.
The board would like to thank Mr Kelly for taking on the role at a very challenging time and for steering the club through this period, despite ill-health.
Mr Kelly commented: “My fellow directors and I look forward to working with Messrs Gauge, Knight and Sarsfield.
“We have spoken at length to all four and are satisfied that they will be a positive addition to the board. They share a passion for the club, as we do, and they bring with them a wealth of business expertise, which can only help move us forward as a club.
“We hope these appointments will be the first steps towards rebuilding the trust of the shareholders, Dale Supporters Trust board and members, and fans, and that we can all unite to move forward as one.”
Other applications to join the board of directors have also been received and are in the process of being reviewed by the board. Further applications will also be welcome.