Rochdale Football Club accused of "disgusting" treatment of Eden Bearshaw

Dave Sweetmore, Dale Chief Executive Russ Green and Eden Bearshaw

Rochdale Football Club has been accused of "absolutely shocking" and "disgusting" treatment of a lifelong supporter after Eden Bearshaw was informed on the last day of the season that his services as the new match day announcer would not be needed after all.

Mr Bearshaw was announced as Rochdale AFC's new match day announcer from next season on 7 April after Dave Sweetmore, the incumbent for the past 17 years, told the club he was leaving at the end of the season.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/109331/eden-bearshaw-appointed-as-dales-new-matchday-announcer

However, Mr Sweetmore had a change of heart and decided not to take up a new role in the Lake District. That subsequently led the club to rescind its appointment of Mr Bearshaw and invite Mr Sweetmore to continue in the role.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/109530/local-dj-dave-sweetmore-decides-his-heart-belongs-in-rochdale

The news has been greeted with anger by many Dale supporters who consider Mr Bearshaw's treatment by the club to be "outrageous" and the way it has been handled "a disgrace".

http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/rochdale/forum/194102/

Although it is understood Eden Bearshaw is deeply unhappy, he told Rochdale Online: "I don't want to comment yet because representatives from the Dale Trust are due to speak to the club directors about the situation."

Dave Sweetmore said: "It's a great pleasure to confirm I will be continuing my role at Rochdale Football Club.

"Offers from other clubs were made when I returned to Rochdale but I knew the Dale was where I belonged.

"I've spent almost half of my life here and when the management at Dale knew I was staying in the area, it was a privilege to be told they wanted me to remain in my role.

"Eden, who was due to replace me, was asked to work alongside me on my return but made the decision to remain as a fan in the stands, which myself and the club respect.

"I am extremely happy to be staying on as match day announcer and DJ at the Crown Oil Arena, and can't wait for the start of the new season in what is undoubtedly the most exciting time in the club's history."

Rochdale Football Club has not responded to an invitation to comment.