Dale pay ‘wonder’-ful tribute to ex-director

THE Dale’s Wonder Wall flowerbed has been dedicated to the memory of former club director Paul Hazlehurst, who died in May.

Paul, who sat on the club board for 15 years, was a huge supporter of the community project, and often spent time chatting to the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make it happen.

A plaque is to be put up in the coming weeks.

Paul’s wife Liz visited the Wonder Wall on Tuesday morning.

She said: “It’s a great honour to have the Wonder Wall dedicated in memory of Paul.

“Anyone who knows anything about Rochdale Football Club will know just how dear the entire community of the football club was to Paul and our family.

“To have this beautiful, colourful tribute dedicated to his memory is really rather touching ●●In front of the Wonder Wall flowerbed are Liz Hazlehurst, wife of former director Paul Hazlehurst (inset) flanked by Dale’s sales and marketing manager Frances Fielding and chief executive Russ Green for myself and my family.

“I’d like to thank everyone on behalf of the family for their hard work in putting this together.

“It’s helping get Rochdale Football Club noticed by everybody who drives past, and it gives home and away fans something to enjoy. It also puts some colour into the area and creates a community feel good spirit. I know that Rochdale Football Club are proud to be part of that and we’re proud to be part of the football club.

“It was a big surprise – although I knew about it since last year from Paul and the boys, and how Paul was involved last year. To come down this morning on this beautiful summer’s day and to meet all the people who have had an input into making this beautiful, colourful wall and community project, it was a great honour to be asked by Russ to come and meet the people and to thank them.”