‘Content and timing’ of statement a surprise to club
ROCHDALE AFC was quick to issue a response to news of Dan Altman and Emre Marcelli turning down invitations to join the board, insisting talks with other potential investors were ongoing.
A statement published on the club’s official website on Monday evening read: “The Board of Directors at Rochdale AFC wish to comment on the recent statement published by Dan Altman and Emre Marcelli.
“While the club respects the rights of shareholders to provide views on the management of the club, we are surprised at the timing and content of Dan and Emre’s statement. As our fans will be aware, in a statement issued on 25th March, the Directors apologised to our supporters for the lack of transparency regarding the extension to the First Team Manager’s contract.
“We note that Dan and Emre have now removed themselves for future investment consideration. The Board would like to thank them for their interest in RAFC and for providing assistance to the club through the use of their analytical platform. We look forward to their continuing support as shareholders and fans.
“As a Board, we are working continuously to secure outside investment for Rochdale AFC and have over the past few months met with several serious investors. We have now reached a key stage with a number of highly interested parties who have signed NonDisclosure Agreements and share the ambition of Rochdale AFC that was presented to Dan and
Emre over two years ago, including the development of our own training facility.
“As a Board of Directors we are committed to discussions with any person that could legitimately provide significant investment to fulfil the ambitions of Rochdale AFC. As agreed with the Dale Supporters Trust, further updates on investment propositions will be provided following the Board meeting on 19th April.
“At this time, we call for supporters to unite and focus our attention on our forthcoming home fixtures v Swindon Town and Accrington Stanley.”
Meanwhile, manager Brian Barry-murphy called on his players to express their personality as Rochdale embarked on a three-match run make-or-break home games this week.
A 1-0 defeat in what was a dire performance at Fleetwood Town on Saturday saw the club cut six points adrift of safety at the foot of League One with seven games to play.
The first of those fixtures was against Swindon Town on Tuesday evening, followed by Saturday’s clash against Accrington Stanley. By next Tuesday, when Dale entertain Blackpool at the Crown Oil Arena, their fate could already be sealed.
“We’re very good at bouncing back, we’ve had a lot of difficulties over the last couple of years,” he said. “I’m not being complacent but it’s easy for me to pick the lads up because it’s a very short turnaround and we’ll be great to go on Tuesday.”