Wade thrilled to sign pro contract with Rochdale

ROCHDALE goalkeeper Brad Wade has spoken of his happiness after signing his first professional contract with the club.

The 18-year-old, from Aughton penned a one-year deal at the Crown Oil Arena with the option for a further 12 months.

“I’m delighted,” Wade said. “I’ve been here three years now, so all the hard work I’ve put in during my time in the Academy and in my scholarship over the two years has all paid off.”

Rochdale’s youth team were crowned champions of the EFL Youth Alliance North-West League last season, with Wade playing a big part in their success.

A veteran of three FA Youth Cup campaigns, the young stopper believes his development has been palpable.

“I feel like I’ve really improved over the seasons I’ve been at Rochdale,” he said. [The youth team] have had a great year this year winning the league.

“I feel like I’ve had a really good season.

“It’s been a positive year for me coming on from my first year to my second year, I feel like I’ve really developed and that’s through pure hard work and listening to the staff.”

Keith Hill, manager of Rochdale’s first-team, is also a fan of the goalkeeper, regularly including the player in his senior training sessions for the majority of last season.

“It’s really helped me, because I know the standard that the manager and the other players expect,” Wade admitted.

“The first few weeks I was getting used to the pace of the ball which was difficult, but I felt like I fitted in pretty well and I was glad I was given the opportunity to show what I can do.

“I know the standards that are expected, so I know where I’ve got to be and what I need to do, and I’ve been working hard over the off-season to make sure I’m ready to go come pre-season.”