Harvey Gilmour signs for Rochdale

Midfielder Harvey Gilmour has signed for Rochdale AFC on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old featured 51 times for Halifax Town last season, including the full 90 minutes at Wembley as Halifax beat Gateshead in the FA Trophy final.

“I’ve heard great things from the football club. I’ve played against them before and they’ve got a great following," said Gilmour after putting pen to paper.

“I’ve had a conversation with the gaffer, he’s told me how he wants to play and how it fitted me and my style of play. From there it was quite quick with how it happened.

“They’ve (the conversations with Jimmy McNulty) been very positive. There’s a very strategic style of play which suits me down to the ground. So, then it was an easy choice really.

“I’ll give one hundred and fifty per cent every game. I’m left-footed, I try and play off one-and-two touches, nice and quick and get it to the players who score the most.”

Gilmour has said that he's familiar with what the Dale supporters are like and he can't wait to see them: “I’ve heard a lot about them from players that I’ve played with and they’ve always spoken about Rochdale and the Sandy Lane, especially behind that goal. I’m really excited.”

Head coach Jimmy McNulty added: “First and foremost Harvey is a really good footballer, that I like.

“He can play a number of positions in midfield, and he's very comfortable with the ball at his feet. He's proven himself at National League level and is someone who I think could play higher.

"He's had a brilliant season with Halifax, playing a full campaign there, which culminated in him winning the FA Trophy final against Gateshead.

"Alongside being a key player in controlling games he's also tenacious and committed defensively which is important.

“And just as important, he’s a really good lad and a really good person. He's humble and committed. He’s a lad that is going to be liked in the dressing room and will be liked by the fanbase too.

“There were a number of clubs trying to sign Harvey, he was a player we identified early on, and we are delighted to have beaten off the competition to bring him here.

“All in all, I’m really pleased and it’s a really good signing for us.”

Gilmour began his career at Sheffield United, followed by a loan spell with Tranmere Rovers which resulted in a League Two Playoff promotion, which resulted in Tranmere signing Gilmour on a permanent deal. After two years at Tranmere, Stockport County signed the midfielder before his most recent season with Halifax Town.