Clark Keltie has been released by Rochdale

Hours before Christmas Day, Rochdale announced the 26-year-old would be leaving “by mutual consent”.

Keltie made 36 appearances in his debut season after joining from Darlington in the summer of 2008.

That automatically earned a one-year contract extension, but Dale responded by transfer-listing him.

In September the Newcastle-born player joined Chester on loan but, with both parties keen to extend the arrangement to a third month, the financial chaos at the Deva Stadium prevented it.

He joined Conference relegation rivals Gateshead but was sent back to Lancashire after three uninspiring games.