Rochdale Football Club can issue the following update to supporters.
As has been widely communicated, the Board of Directors has been actively seeking investment in the club for the past 12 months.
Advanced talks have recently been undertaken with interested parties. It is standard procedure for Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to be signed as part of this process, which legally restrict the information that can be publicly shared by anyone involved, including to our supporters. Representatives of the Dale Supporters Trust were invited to meet one particular group during the week commencing 13/11/23 and have also met others at various stages over the past year.
Prior to any future agreement being signed and any future formal announcement being made, the Board of Directors will ensure that the relevant Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT) clearances have been granted, and that The National League have fully engaged with the individual or group in question.
The Board of Directors wishes to offer its gratitude for the tremendous backing that supporters have provided, both on and off the field, so far this season in difficult economic conditions. We recognise that supporters want what is best for the club and that at times this will result in speculation on potential investment. However, it should be acknowledged that a small percentage of this online speculation has made concluding investment deals more challenging.
As of today (Monday 4th December 2023), the club remains in talks with numerous parties over minority and majority investment. However, none of these talks are now at an advanced stage, and we are very much open to engaging with any interested party.
Chairman Simon Gauge and family have provided funds to stabilise the club’s finances whilst an investment partner continues to be sought. In order to assist with this process, some changes to the Board of Directors are expected to be announced in the coming days. Additionally, notice of the 2023 AGM will be distributed to shareholders this week, with the meeting to take place later this month.
The Board of Directors would also like to take this opportunity to thank players and staff for their continued hard work and dedication to the club, especially during this past week when a lot of rumours have been circulating.