Lund’s back to make a difference
NEWS of Luke Matheson’s imminent departure from Rochdale on transfer window deadline day was followed hours later by the return to the fold of a fans’ favourite.
The signing of midfielder Matty Lund from Scunthorpe United on an 18-month contract revealed on Friday evening.
The dynamic Northern Ireland international clocked up 130 appearances for Dale in his first spell at the Crown Oil Arena and is delighted to be back.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he commented.
“It’s great to be back. Once I found out the Club were interested I jumped at the chance.
“I thought my time was coming to an end at Scunthorpe and I felt it was time to move on. I really wanted to come back here, my agent contacted Brian and it’s just worked out.
“They were happy to bring me back and I’m delighted to be back. Hopefully I can make a difference.
“I played with Brian and he was a coach here when I was here. I always seem to bump into him and he’s someone who’s definitely impacted on me coming back here.
“Hopefully I can do well for him and the team.”
The Northern Ireland international spent four seasons with Dale between 2013-2017 and was a key member of the squad that won promotion to Sky Bet League One in 2014.
Lund enjoyed three seasons in League One with Dale before moving to then Championship side Burton Albion on a free transfer in the summer of 2017.
The 29-year-old spent time on loan at Bradford City at the beginning of 2018, before joining Scunthorpe that summer, where he has played 55 times.
Meanwhile, Ryan Delaney has joined Bolton Wanderers on a permanent deal.
The defender had spent the first part of the season on loan at AFC Wimbledon, but now joins the Trotters on an 18-month deal.
Delaney joined Dale in January 2018 – then under the management of current Bolton boss
Keith Hill - from Burton Albion and made 57 appearances in total for the club.
Also heading out of the club, for the time being at any rate, was goalkeeper Brad Wade who joined Vanarama National League North side Guiseley AFC on loan.
The 19-year-old had previously spent a month at Bet Victor Northern Premier side Ramsbottom United, but signed for The Lions on a month’s loan. Wade signed a three-year contract at the Crown Oil Arena in the summer and also spent a short time at Vanarama National League leaders Barrow AFC earlier this season.