Too early to call on season tickets
ROCHDALE chief executive has once again updated Dale fans as to the current s
Mr Bottomley expressed his gratitude to those on the frontline fighting coronavirus and to Rochdale Council for their communications to the club.
And he also clarified the position on Season Tickets for Dale supporters.
His message read: “To all Dale supporters, wherever you may be, I trust that your Easter weekend was enjoyable, despite the lockdown.
“As every day that passes during this awful pandemic, we never lose sight of the people shouldering the weight of the crisis. They are those who work in or around the NHS, whether they be front line or support staff, that makes no difference. I know that not only do we have Dale fans within that group, we also have many Dale fans whose families and close friends fall into that category. Literally not only our hearts, but our admiration and thanks, go out to all of them. Being involved in football at whatever level pales into insignificance compared to those who are literally risking their lives to save others.
“Also, I think it is only right to pay thanks to a vast group of other people in Rochdale who are proving what a great town this is. The Council, led by Steve Rumbelow and his team, are providing daily information and support services to so many business (including the Dale) and to individuals. Our thanks to go out to you, and also the many companies in Rochdale who have converted their normal line of business to supply new products to the NHS.
“There are many that fit into this category in our town and again, well done to all for proving how resourceful we are in the north!
“Earlier this week, we announced a wonderful new partnership with Future Ticketing. This move forward with how we sell tickets and gain access to the Crown Oil Arena on matchdays is a move, that like all other areas around the Club, is designed to be more professional.
“When the system is revealed it will prove to be more fan friendly in every way.
“On that note, I would think many supporters are wondering about Season Tickets and why the Club have not yet announced anything for the 2020/21 season.
“The honesty of it is, we find ourselves in a situation where the Club can offer no guarantees of when the new season will start, when fans will be allowed back in the stadium, how many teams will be in our league, etc.!
“We are also very aware that all of our loyal Season Ticket holders have, like us, no idea when the remaining six home games of the current season will take place. As much as we would love to be selling Season Tickets in a few weeks’ time, please bear with us until we have more facts.
“In the last few days, we have, in common with many Clubs in the EFL, taken the decision to furlough both our management and coaching staff, along with all of our playing staff, and also the Academy. We, as with when furloughing nonplaying staff three weeks ago, mindful of the difficulties this situation causes, but this is done with the purpose of making sure that Rochdale AFC is around for at least another 113 years.
“At a time when the football world is talking about a significant number of Clubs going out of business, we are prudently trying to ensure we don’t join that list.
“I would have loved to have closed with some positive news about the likely resumption of football, but the Government’s announcement of at least a further threeweek lockdown has put paid to that.
“So, in closing, I want to thank all of the staff at
Rochdale AFC, both those working and those not, because you are still making a contribution.
“And to all of our supporters, wherever you are in the world, please stay safe. Heed all of the Government advice and look after yourselves and your families.
“Also please spare a thought for those who have passed away who are close to the Club, and especially this week Peter Madden, a good man and a remarkable Dale manager.”