New Rochdale AFC Chairman and Chief Executive named

Andrew Kilpatrick (left) with Chris Dunphy

The new Chairman of Rochdale AFC has been named as Andrew Kilpatrick, following the surprise resignation of Chris Dunphy.

The club revealed on Wednesday (5 December) that William Goodwin, who joined the Board of Directors in 2012, had taken the decision to step down both from the board and from his day-to-day involvement with the club.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/124598/rochdale-afc-chairman-and-director-step-down

Just hours later, this was followed by a surprise announcement from Chairman Chris Dunphy, who has served for over 30 years as a director and chairman, that he “intends to retire as Chairman at the end of the year.”

Mr Kilpatrick will take over as Chairman from 29 December.

Andrew Kilpatrick said: "On behalf of Rochdale Football Club I would like to thank Chris for his unstinting service to the Club and for having driven it to the most successful period in our long history.

"With the backing of the Board, I will be taking over from Chris as Chairman of Rochdale Football Club on December 29th and to the best of my abilities, will endeavour to take the Club forward to continued success."

Additionally, current Chief Executive James Mason has stepped down, and has been replaced with immediate effect by David Bottomley, who had been on the board for just over three years.

The club has also confirmed Andrew Kelly will re-join the board of directors with immediate effect and resume oversight of the RAFC Academy.

Vice President of Finance at Smith & Nephew, Tony Pockney has also agreed to join the board.

Mr Kilpatrick also said: "I have discussed this at length with Keith Hill and he is fully bought into the changes we are making and our hopes for the continued success on the pitch.

"I would ask that everybody supports these appointments.

"We will be making an announcement about the date for a Fans Forum to take place in the New Year as early as is practical where there will be an opportunity to meet the new Board members."