Name: Aaron Wilbraham
DOB: 21st October 1979
Dale debut: 16th August 2014 v Bristol City 1-1
Also played for: Stockport County, Moss FK, Hull City, Oldham Athletic, MK Dons, Bradford City, Norwich City, Crystal Palace, Bristol City, Bolton Wanderers
Time at Dale: Aaron joined Dale on 25th June 2018 after being released by Bolton Wanderers at the end of the 2017/18 season before being offered an extension for the following season, altogether he made 44 League one appearances, scoring 8 goals.
He will undoubted be recognised for his late equaliser against Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round on 14th January 2020.
Manchester Evening News Report: Forty-year old substitute Aaron Wilbraham said it was a “great feeling” to score the dramatic late equaliser that earned League One Rochdale a draw against Premier League Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round. Wilbraham, who played in the top flight for Crystal Palace and Norwich City, pounced from six yards after a pass from 17-year-old substitute Luke Matheson to secure a replay at St James’ Park. “I’m just happy to be involved” said Wilbraham after cancelling out Miguel Almiron’s fierce first-half finish. The second half went so quickly I could’ve played for another hour”
It was Wilbraham’s third goal in three games having scored twice against Fleetwood Town in the league on 26th December and dedicated that double to his late mother, who passed away earlier that month.
League One Appearances Goals 2018/19 21 4 2019/20 23 4 Total 44 8
After leaving Dale: On 2nd December 2020, Aaron joined Steve Cotterill’s coaching staff as assistant manager at League One side Shrewsbury Town. On 19th January 2021, he took charge as stand-in manager for an FA Cup third round tie away at Premier League side Southampton as Cotterill was suffering from COVID. Nowadays Aaron is acting as a football agent looking to develop young professional football careers.
Overall: In an extremely long and successful career Aaron made 782 appearances for various Clubs, scoring 144 goals