Rochdale AFC and Dale Supporters Trust sign Memorandum of Understanding

Rochdale AFC Chief Executive David Bottomley and Trust Chairman Col Cavanah signing the MOU

Rochdale Football Club and the Dale Supporters Trust have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Rochdale Chief Executive David Bottomley and Dale Supporters Trust Chairman Col Cavanah put pen to paper before a Fans' Form held at the Crown Oil Arena on Monday (14 January). In doing so, they have become the fourth club and trust to have signed an MOU, joining Fulham, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest.

MOU’s were introduced following a Government led group that called for an increase in supporter engagement between Football Clubs in the EFL/ Premier League.

The document sets out a minimum level of dialogue between the club and the trust and what the nature of those meetings should be.

Mr Bottomley commented: “We, as a football club, are very proud of the relationship we have with the Dale Supporters Trust, and the signing of the MOU reaffirms that great relationship. “We value our fans and the close working relationship we have with the trust, and particularly value the fact that the trust has worked tirelessly over the years to generate funds to contribute to the well-being of the football club. “We recognise that there is a uniqueness between our relationship and we’d like to keep it that way.”

Mr Cavanah added: “We are delighted to announce the signing of the MOU. The club first agreed to sign this last summer, but Monday was the first opportunity that we have had to do so.

“The MOU sets out a minimum level of engagement, but if truth be told, the trust and the club are currently working much closer and more frequently than the expected level that the document set outs.

“This was highlighted last year, when the trust and club were nominated for the best trust / club relationship at the Football Business Awards, and since then, the dialogue between us has certainly increased. We are now holding monthly meetings with the club, and publishing minutes from these meetings.

“We as a trust are committed to continue our work with the club in the interest of our members and to communicate that back through our website.”