O’donnell takes gloves at Dale
ROBBIE Stockdale’s Rochdale rebuild got under way this week with the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Richard O’donnell.
O’donnell, 33, became the club’s first new recruit of the summer when he agreed a two-year deal with Dale, which will come into effect on July 1st once his contract expires at Bradford City.
O’donnell brings with him a wealth of experience, having notched up over 400 career appearances. He has played for clubs across the EFL pyramid, featuring in all three divisions - Championship, League One and League Two.
“I had a good chat with Robbie last week, and his plans for the club and the way he wants to play is exciting, so as as soon as I spoke to him we got things done pretty quickly. I’m delighted to be here and looking forward to getting started in July,” said O’donnell.
“But it’s not just what he said, it’s also what I’ve seen from last year and from the games that Rochdale played against Bradford.
“The team plays really good football and they try to play the right way.
“The games that we, when I was at Bradford, played against them, Rochdale probably should have got more from both games. And after speaking to Robbie face-to-face last week and hearing him reiterate that, it was exciting. I’m really looking forward to getting going.
“It’s well documented that the club ran with a young squad last year and Robbie believes we need some experience in there to help and complement what he’s already got.
“I’ve been around and played a lot of games at this level and higher so hopefully I can bring that experience to the team. You need that nice balance of experience and young players.”
O’donnell started his professional career at Sheffield Wednesday, where he came through the youth ranks.
Whilst at the Owls, he made 20 appearances for the club and also enjoyed loan spells at the likes of York City, Oldham Athletic and Grimsby Town.
After his departure from Hillsborough, O’donnell went on to join Chesterfield, before moves to Walsall and Wigan Athletic followed.
He then secured transfers which commanded fees to two Championship sides - firstly to Bristol City and then to Rotherham United.
From the Millers, he joined Northampton Town before, most recently, switching to the Bantams in the summer of 2018. He leaves Valley Parade after four years, having made nearly 150 appearances.
“I’m delighted to have been able to secure the services of someone of Richard’s calibre,” said
Stockdale. “He has played in League Two and at higher levels and he was captain of his previous club. In Richard, we’re bringing in a player with leadership qualities and he’ll be an excellent influence around the changing room, which are also aligned with his qualities as a goalkeeper.
“We have a plan in place for recruitment this summer and Richard is the first player with the type of character that we’re looking to bring in.”