Dale pick up pace as Grant departs
ROBBIE Stockdale took his Rochdale squad to Scotland this week as pre-season training picked up pace ahead of the new League Two season.
With a month to go until the opening game against Crewe at the Crown Oil Arena, the reshaping of the Dale squad continues apace with Conor Grant the latest to depart.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who joined the club in February 2021 from Sheffield Wednesday, signed for League One outfit MK Dons on Friday.
Having made the move,
Grant said: “I spoke to Liam Sweeting and the Gaffer (Liam Manning) earlier in the summer and I was very impressed by what they had to say. How the Gaffer wants to play and how the Club is run really suits me so hopefully I will fit right in.
“The club gives young players opportunities and that’s why I’m here, hopefully I can take my chance and have a good season. I can’t wait to get started, the stadium is one of, if not the best in League One, I can’t wait to play here.
“I am player who will always give 100 per cent and I see myself as a creative attacking player who will hopefully keep the fans excited.”
Grant made an instant impact for Dale during the 2020/21 season, featuring 20 times and scoring his first senior goal in a 2-1 win over Swindon Town. A Republic of Ireland youth international at Under-17s and Under-19s level, Grant’s form for Rochdale saw him earn his first call up to the Under-21s side in March 2021.
Grant then added a further 38 appearances to his name last season, as well as four goals and four assists, alerting the attention of a number of EFL clubs, including MK Dons who have been able to secure his services on a long-term contract.
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said: “Conor is someone we have tracked for a while. He has attributes as an attacking midfielder that suit the way we play, and meeting him recently has shown he also has the character and determination to succeed with us.
“He is capable of building from deep, linking with players in attack and opening the door in terms of goal contributions.
After presenting our opportunity to him, it became clear we are an excellent match for each other and I look forward to watching the impact he will have with us this season and beyond.”
Manning added: “Conor is an exciting addition to the squad and a player we are looking forward to working with.
“He has a number of qualities, technically and physically, which we have seen from watching him regularly at Rochdale.
“He has shown good potential so far and it is now down to him, with the support of the staff, to unlock that promise and produce high-quality moments on a consistent basis.”
DALE will face Burnley in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly on Friday following their four-day pre-season camp north of the border.
There will be four opportunities for fans to watch Robbie Stockdale’s side in action this pre-season with trips to Chester, Darlington and Scunthorpe United scheduled, as well as a home game against Port Vale at the Crown Oil Arena.
BURNLEY V ROCHDALE:
Friday 1st July (Behind-closed-doors) Saturday 9th
CHESTER V ROCHDALE:
July, 3pm KO
DARLINGTON V ROCHDALE:
16th July, 3pm KO
ROCHDALE V PORT VALE:
23rd July, 3pm KO Saturday
SCUNTHORPE UNITED V ROCHDALE: