Dale back club chief in FA misconduct inquiry

DALE chairman Chris Dunphy says club chief exec Russ Green has his ‘full and public support’ as he faces an FA misconduct hearing into his handling of transfers while in charge at Hartlepool.

Mr Green, who joined Rochdale in August 2016, is being investigated for his part in the signings of Padraig Amond and Lewis Alessandra while chief exec at the North East club.

He is accused of helping disguise payments to agents as scouting fees and not submitting the correct paperwork to show third parties had been paid as part of the deals for the two players.

Mr Green has admitted the charges and has requested a ‘paper hearing’ - a tribunal where written evidence is considered in private.

Mr Dunphy’s statement said: “I would like to take this opportunity to offer my full and public support to Russ. I have known Russ for almost two decades and employed him at Rochdale Football Club due to his honesty and integrity, and because I knew that he would do an excellent job. Since his appointment in August 2016, he has had a hugely positive influence across the whole club.

“He is a valued member of staff and will play an influential part in the future of the club.

“The FA charges against him, which relate to a breach of FA Regulations, date back to before he was employed by Rochdale Football Club, and I have been fully aware of these ongoing proceedings from their inception.

“I have offered, and will continue to offer him, my personal support.

“We continue to await the outcome of the tribunal and will make a further statement at this time.”