Parkin In Talks With Aiston

Rochdale manager Steve Parkin has been talking with former Shrewsbury Town winger Sam Aiston about a possible move to the club. The 28 year-old was released this summer and would become Rochdale’s third summer signing if a deal goes through.

Darlington and Grimsby have both shown an interest in the player but Dale has emerged as the new favourites to secure his services. If signed, Aiston could face his former club on the first day of the season. However, one thing that may scupper the transfer is Parkin’s continued interest in an un-named Championship player who would occupy the same midfield position. The Rochdale boss is keeping his cards close to his chest as he bids to fight off opposition from higher division sides in the hope of bringing the unknown left- winger to the club. 

Dale will face Bradford City in the first round of the Carling Cup in the coming campaign. The League One side will visit Spotland in the week commencing 22 August. The tie should prove to be a tough test for Steve Parkin’s men; the Yorkshire team have a host of former Premiership players in their ranks. Should they beat Bradford, Rochdale will have progressed to the second round for the first time since 2001 when they were beat on penalties by Fulham at Spotland.

The last time Dale met Bradford was in the same competition back in 1982, Bradford winning 4-0 at Valley Parade to complete a 5-0 aggregate scoreline.

Kevin Townson has joined Macclesfield Town on a permanent basis following his loan move to the Cheshire side late last season. Rochdale released the young striker this summer after he only made one appearance in last season’s campaign. Townson will hope to emulate his first season at Rochdale for his new club; the then seventeen year-old scored 17 goals and was called up to the England under-18 side. Dale fans will have fond memories of the way that he burst onto the scene and scored some spectacular goals, not least his two efforts that night against Fulham. He will hope to re-ignite at the Moss Rose, what looked to be a promising career.