Last year saw plenty of action for the Former Players Association including appearances at the Supporters Trust Exiles Day, Curry On Up The Dale evening plus the Club’s match day hospitality events.
Numerous ex-players shared their experiences of their careers at the Crown Oil Arena (Spotland) from the 1980s to more present times with much interest and amusement at times to listeners.
Starting with Exiles Day, Willie Burns was unable to make an appearance due to being away on holiday so in his place we invited Mark Stuart and Jason Peake to acts as substitutes-not only did they mix with the 20+ supporters before the match against Maidenhead United, some who had travelled many miles to attend, but also took time to address diners during the Club’s hospitality prior to kick off then mingled after the end of the 1-0 victory.
The Curry evening was a fantastic event with three legends, Scott Warner, Shaun Reid and Calvin Andrew, recounting some hilarious moments and great memories from their different eras at Rochdale AFC.
Scott Warner was particularly well received as a local lad, who watches Dale matches with his family in the Sandy Lane terrace whilst Shaun spoke of his exploits in the 80’s & 90’s when football was a hard game plus Calvin, who steered away from his infamous tussle against Oldham Athletic but entertained us about his time under Keith Hill.
Match day hospitality has been resurrected for this season with appearances from the following players.
Keith Hicks (Dagenham & Redbridge)
Steve Taylor (Forest Green Rovers Richard Jobson (Woking) Mark Hilditch (Maidenhead United)
Steve Whitehall (Solihull Moors)
Scott Warner (Braintree Town)
Gareth Griffiths (Southend United)
Harvey Gilmour (Halifax Town) Tom Kennedy (Bromley) Mark Stuart (Sutton United)
Aaron Wilbraham was booked to appear for the match against Boston United but unfortunately it was postponed due the atrocious weather prior to kick off, he has confirmed for the re-arranged fixture
Invited ex-players for January games are:
Steven Dawson (Altrincham-postponed)
Rhys Bennett (York City)
Lee McEvilly (Yeovil Town)
As you can see, there has been fantastic input from ex-players over a long and varied period in Dale’s history, we will endeavour to ensure all home matches are catered for the rest of the season.
To inquire about hospitality, contact Andy Duff (Commercial Director) at Andy.Duff@rochdaleafc.co.uk
The Former Players Association was launched in conjunction with the Supporters Trust aimed at anyone who has played at least one first team game for the Club and looking to reunite those who have worn the Dale shirt over the years. We are committed to promote both the Club and Supporters Trust in an effort to raise the profile of both Organisations thus building the fan base at Rochdale AFC.
For anyone wishing to learn more about the FPA, visit www.rochdalefpa.com or
ARE YOU A FORMER PLAYER? We are looking to add to our current database-over 100 former Dale players are enrolled on the Association with many returning to the Crown Oil Arena last season as guests of the Club for hospitality appearances. Players such as Shaun Reid, Paul Butler, Gareth Griffiths and many more were invited to be guest speakers in the Club’s 1907 lounge before home matches.
Articles about ex-Dale players and further Information on the Rochdale AFC Former Players Association (FPA) including hospitality, appearances plus players’ memories can be found on:
Website: www.rochdalefpa.com,
Facebook: Rochdale Former Players Association
Email: formerplayers@daletrust.co.uk or Keith.hicks5@outlook.com
And also on the DALETRUST website |
