Allen was sold on Dale’s terms

THERE was late drama for Rochdale on transfer deadline day with the departure of Jamie Allen.

But boss Keith Hill has revealed that the midfielder left for Burton Albion on Rochdale’s terms rather than the Brewers. The Championship outfit, who signed Matt Lund during the close season after his Dale contract ran its course, had approached the club several times over the course of the summer about Allen.

However, it wasn’t until the 11th hour of the transfer window that they agreed to Dale’s fee and add ons for the 22-yearold product of the club’s successful academy.

“This business should have been concluded in June when I first got the phone call,” Hill told the club’s official website. “We rejected numerous bids from them. And to be fair to the board of directors, we, as a club, had a figure in our minds and unless that was met with the clauses that we as a football club demand, then it was a no go and it definitely wasn’t going to happen.

“But once Burton came back and agreed to our terms then I thought it was common sense to accept the deal. I’m true to my word – I promised Jamie, his representatives and Burton that if they were to match the fee then we would all be happy.

“So, we’ve stood firm and we’ve delivered financially and also to the player as well.

“Good luck to Jamie – he deserves his opportunity. He’s another player that we’ve established in League One and who is now going to be plying his trade in the Championship.”

It was a case of two in one out for Dale, with Wigan defender Donervon Daniels joined by Jordon Williams of Liverpool on loan. Both players featured in Saturday’s goalless draw at Southend.

On Williams, Hill said: “He was a main target for us through the summer. We were constantly in contact with Liverpool and his representatives about Jordan Williams but he was very sought after.

“It came down to the wire but we managed to get the job done, which is a great signing from our perspective.

“He’s a very, very adept central midfielder. He’s got a great stature about him. We’re looking forward to working with him.”

And on Daniels, Hill said: “He’ll bring a physical presence to the side. He’s got good experience for a player of a young age.

“He’s got a League One winners medal. He’s a strong character, a winner, and he is a physical presence.

“His attitude towards the game is tremendous having spoken with him yesterday and having witnessed him playing.

“I’ve spoken to Donervon about where I want him to play, and he’s fully on board with that.

“I’m really looking forward to working with both of the players that we’ve recruited.”