Dawson hands in second transfer request

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Dawson wheels away after hitting his ninth goal of the season.

Rochdale AFC have confirmed that Craig Dawson has handed in a second transfer request.

The club confirmed rumours this afternoon (20 July) in an official statement on their website but insisted that the request was rejected by the board and that unless their valuation is met, Dawson will be going nowhere.

Reports broke in June claiming the club had turned down a request to leave from the defender, and there were suggestions on Monday evening that the sought-after 20-year-old was again seeking a way out of Spotland. 

Keith Hill said: “A second transfer request has been submitted by Craig Dawson.

“As a former player and manager I can understand his desire to play at a higher level. However, the realistic valuation we have for Craig has not been met by any club and until it is met Craig will remain a Rochdale player.

“From Craig’s point of view it probably is disappointing we haven’t managed to negotiate a deal with Middlesbrough but that is part and parcel of being a professional footballer.

“He has been exemplary since he returned to pre-season training and his attitude to training is outstanding and I expect that to continue.

“In my opinion he is an outstanding prospect and he needs to be patient in his pursuit of playing at a higher level. Under our guidance he’ll become a better footballer if he remains at Spotland with Rochdale and continues the way he has under myself and Flicker.

“I speak with Craig on a regular basis and he does want to play at a higher level and has said he would like to join Middlesbrough, but it isn’t going to happen unless the valuation is met.

“It is a shame whoever is driving this has gone public and they are trying to get Rochdale over a barrel. It’s the ugly side of football for me that bigger fish come along and tend to prey on the smaller fish but the chairman and the board have stood firm. Middlesbrough know what the valuation is and if they meet it Craig Dawson will be sold.”

Dawson announced himself to professional football last season, scoring nine goals in forty starts from the back.

The impressive performances earned the former Radcliffe Borough player the League Two Player of the Year award at the end-of-season Football League Awards.

Dale play Fleetwood tonight (20 July) in their second pre-season friendly, following their 2-0 win over Rossendale United last weekend.