Football: Stephen Dooley joins Rochdale

Stephen Dooley

Northern Irish midfielder Stephen Dooley has signed a two-year contract with Rochdale AFC.

The 26-year-old joins from NIFL Premiership side Coleraine, who he helped to win the Irish Cup earlier this month.

He said: “It’s always been a dream of mine to play over in the English system, and Rochdale looks like a brilliant club, so I’m delighted to finally get the deal done.”

Dooley began his career with Coleraine, appearing in the 2008 Irish cup final at the age of just 16.

He moved to Derry City in 2014, before joining Cork City south of the Irish border for a successful two-year spell in 2016, winning the FAI league and cup double last year alongside current Dale defender Ryan Delaney.

He rejoined Coleraine on a six-month deal in January, and is now looking forward to his first spell in English football.

The deal is subject to EFL and international clearance.