Trial of pitch covers at Spotland Stadium

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Rochdale AFC kit man Jack Northover and Dale Trust Chairman Dave Gartside

Following lengthy negotiations, the Dale Trust has reached agreement in principle with Stuart Canvas Ltd to commence with a trial period for new pitch covers at Spotland Stadium.

Dale Trust chairman David Gartside is keen to point out this is a free trial and no money will change hands until final approval has been given by the Trust and the football club after the trial.

Mr Gartside said: "The cost of the covers would be a considerable investment and it is important to ensure we have things 100% right before we part with any money."

The cost of the covers, assuming the fine tuning by the manufacturers during the trial is successful, will come partly from the football club and partly from the Trust. Dale Trust raised £30,000, originally for training facilities, however, members voted last year that the money could be spent on pitch covers.

The Trust hopes to have further updates regarding the installation process in the coming weeks.

When the covers arrive the Trust is intending to arrange an opportunity for fans to see the covers in use.