Morton House files High Court claim against Dale board and Dale Trust

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A High Court claim against Rochdale AFC’s board of directors and the Dale Trust has been filed by Morton House.

Last summer, it was alleged by the EFL that Morton House acquired shares in the club in what has been branded ‘a hostile takeover’ by the club and Dale fans.

The attempted takeover by Morton House became subject to an EFL investigation into whether 'any relevant person(s) and/or any persons wishing to acquire control of the club complied with the requirements of the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT)'.

The 'takeover' was abandoned in August after those involved withdrew from the EFL OADT test.
 

Read more: 'Hostile takeover' of Rochdale AFC abandoned after 'investors' withdraw from EFL approval processPublished: 23 August 2021

Dale’s board of directors confirmed the high court claim on Friday (7 January).

A statement reads: “The board of directors report that Morton House has filed a High Court claim naming the board of directors and the Dale Trust as respondents.

“The board of directors has passed the matter to its lawyers to be dealt with under normal due process. No further comment will be provided at this time.”

The Dale Supporters’ Trust had previously raised concerns about the takeover, reportedly led by investors Andy Curran and Darrell Rose.

In October, Curran was charged with breaching FA rules after being accused of calling members of the Rochdale AFC board of directors 'Nancy boys'.
 

Read more: Andrew Curran charged with breaching FA rulesPublished: 29 October 2021

He was also alleged to have called the people of Rochdale 'small minded'.

The slurs are understood to have been made during a Zoom call between the EFL, Rochdale AFC, Curran and others during the summer.