DOB: 3rd June 1977
Dale debut: 17th January 1998 v Peterborough United 1-3
Also played for: Swansea City, Barnsley, Bradford City, Notts County, Southport, Altrincham, Ashville
Time at Dale: 478 appearances (74 goals)
Gary joined Rochdale originally on loan from Swansea City having started his career with Caernarfon Town in the 1996/7 season before moving to the Welsh Club during 1997/8 season
He signed a permanent deal with the Dale after the end of the season spending 3 years in his first stint making 136 appearances, scoring 22 goals.
He quickly became the darling of the fans with his never ending work rate endeavours on the pitch, snarling at colleagues if not giving 100% commitment to the team.
Gary left the Club in 2001, joining up with former manager Steve Parkin at Barnsley, staying at there for three seasons without making too many appearances (56) before returning in 2003 on loan again, playing 10 times, scoring twice.
In 2004, he re-joined Rochdale on a permanent deal and went on to become the Club Captain.
Gary holds the record for most appearances for Rochdale and is regarded by the fans as a true Rochdale AFC legend due to his long tenure with the Club, his commitment and determined style of play plus his leadership on the pitch.
His qualities within the Rochdale squad during the 2009/10 season played an extremely large part in helping the Club to earn promotion to League One.
One of his numerous memorable moments is the brilliant goal scored from long-range strike at St Mary’s against Southampton on 4th September 2010, which he described as “the best I’ve ever struck”
He was Dale’s top scorer in the 2010/11 season, Rochdale’s first season in the third tier of English football for 36 years roundly praised by manager Keith Hill for his outstanding contributions.
What are you doing since leaving Dale?: Gary signed for Bradford City in 2012 (84 matches, 8 goals) before moving to Notts County in 2014 (43 matches, 3 goals) then venturing into non-league football at Southport in 2015 (55 matches, 5 goals) and Altrincham (15 matches, 1 goal) before returning to his roots in Wallasey at Ashville FC.
On retiring from full time football, Gary found employment at a Company named Lifeways based on the Wirral in Merseyside as a support worker, working with people who have a range of health issues, this through one of his friends in that field having witnessed him every day in the local park working with service users. According to Gary, they got chatting and he said “why don’t you come after you’ve finished your football and shadow me for a day?” and that’s where it all started.
Recently the Legend has taken on a coaching role with the Academy at Bradford City, a Club that he captained twice at Wembley and to their last promotion in 2013
Honours: PFA Team of the Year (League Two) 2009/10 & 2012/3
PS: Recently, Gary was the guest of honour at the Rochdale v Braford City, 22nd January 2022, where he entertained hospitality diners prior to kick off with stories from both Clubs.
Articles of other Rochdale Legends can be found on Facebook: Rochdale Former Players Association and FPA Website: www.rochdalefpa.com
