Dale wave goodbye to Gilks and Goodall
Date published: 27 June 2007
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Matthew Gilks has signed for Championship side Norwich City. Gilks has agreed a two year contract.
The 25-year-old 'keeper had been with Rochdale from a young age, starting in the Centre of Excellence and working his way up through the ranks.
After being offered a professional contract at Spotland, the popular 'keeper was understudy to a number of first choice goalkeepers, before making his first team debut in the 2000/2001 season. He went on to make the number one shirt his own, making just under 200 appearances in the Dale jersey.
Rochdale manager Keith Hill said of his departure: "We wish him all the best, he's an outstanding goalkeeper, its just a shame that we couldn't retain his services. I'm sure that he'll go to Norwich and fulfil his potential, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's a Premiership goalkeeper in the next few seasons. He's been great for me and Dave [Sutton], great for Rochdale Football Club and I think he was probably underappreciated at times. I think it'll be significant now that he's gone just how good he was for Rochdale Football Club. He goes with our best wishes. I'm more than positive he'll be a massive success."
An offical spokesman for Rochdale Football Club said they, "would like to thank Matt for his services, and wish him all the best in the future."
The club have aslo said goodbye to Alan Goodall. The of contract full back has signed for First Division side Luton Town.
Goodall joined Dale from Bangor City in 2004 and played 131 times for the club scoring eight goals, and was an ever present last season.
Having been recruited by Luton Boss Kevin Blackwell he stated that ambition was the reason for his move, saying: "I want to play in the highest division that I can and Luton impressed me with where they want to be in the future. It was the right move for me."
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