Willbutts Lane stand update

Dale Chief Executive Colin Garlick has given an update regarding the opening of the Willbutts Lane stand to home supporters for League Two matches.

“This is currently under review,” said the CEO. “What we committed to do at the start of the season was to give people the option to go in there and try it out. At this point in time we have given it a good trial, however, the uptake is not what we hoped it would be.

“Due to sharing the stand with visiting supporters we are having to commit to additional staff including gatemen, stewards and catering staff, and particularly for night games, it is becoming difficult to justify this given the numbers of people that are going in there and the costs involved.

“At this moment in time I do not plan on opening it for the Gillingham game (Saturday 19 January), however, a decision will be made on a game by game basis.”