Football Club launches share issue

Rochdale Football Club

Rochdale Football Club launched a share issue today (Friday 9 January), entitled 'Share the Dream', in a bid to get more supporters onto its list of shareholders.

The club, with the backing of the Rochdale Supporters Trust and the existing shareholders, have issued new shares at a cost of £2 each and has come up with a number of schemes in the hope that fans will back the scheme.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We feel that spreading the ownership of the club across as many fans as possible is the safest way to both grow and protect our club as we try to realise our ambitions over the coming years. We hope loyal fans share in our vision.”

Rochdale Supporters Trust is in full support of the club’s share issue.

Trust chairman Iain Bailey said: “We hope fans support the Board on this latest development. The current board have moved our club on tremendously both on the pitch and in its infrastructure. Whilst they don’t actually kick the ball, they have assisted the management with tremendous behind the scenes support which has produced football and results none of us ever dreamed of."

For those fans who feel able to commit to the share scheme, and apply before 28 Feb 2009, the club are offering the following incentives.

Successful applicants that purchase a minimum of 100 shares will receive;

Part ownership of RAFC for life.
Audited accounts every year.
An invitation to attend the club’s AGM.
A vote on director appointments.
An invitation to an annual shareholders forum mid season.
Free trust membership for 2009-10
2 x match tickets for any home league game, in season 2008-09 or 2009-10

Successful applicants that purchase a minimum of 500 shares will receive all of the above plus;

Free Trust membership for five years.
An invitation to the clubs annual Chairman’s Dinner where club officials and directors will also attend in order for the shareholders of Rochdale AFC to gather socially once a year.
2 x Executive match packages for any home league game in season 2008-09 or 2009-10.

Successful applicants that purchase a minimum of 1000 shares will receive all of the above plus;

1 x league matchball sponsorship (6 people) in season 2008-09 or
2009-10.

Whilst the minimum purchase is 100 shares, any existing shareholder below this level who wishes to upgrade to 100 or above is encouraged to apply.

All funds raised from the share issue will go directly into the future development of Rochdale AFC.

A club statement read: "The club’s board of directors appreciates that in the current economic climate it is not the best time to be hoping that fans will dig deep once again, especially after the expense of going to Wembley last May. Therefore The Dale Trust has requested that the club run a monthly contribution scheme where fans can buy their shares over five monthly standing orders. Once the club has received the fifth payment, the shares will be issued and by the start of next season you will be a fully fledged shareholder."

All applications (minimum 100 shares to those not owning any previously) should be made in writing to club secretary Colin Garlick. The club address is Spotland Stadium, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale, OL11 5DR.

For more information email Mr Garlick at office@rochdaleafc.co.uk.

All share sales are subject to board approval.