Keeper Louie recall blow for Rochdale
NATIONAL League play-off chasing Rochdale have been rocked by the loss of on-loan goalkeeper Louie Moulden.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper has arguably been the standout performer for Jim Mcnulty’s team so far this season, helping Dale push for promotion despite the cash-strapped club’s small squad being beset by injuries.
Dale head into this afternoon’s home game against Wealdstone in seventh spot – but will no longer have the services of Moulden to call upon.
The 22-year-old was recalled by parent club Wolves this week and immediately loaned out to League One Northampton Town until the end of the season.
Moulden joined Dale in the summer on a seasonlong loan, but Wolves have exercised a January recall clause in the deal.
He made 29 appearances for Dale in total, assisting five goals and keeping six clean sheets during a highly successful spell with the club.
“It seemed like a really good opportunity to come here and a positive next step for me,” he said of his move to Northampton.
“I have not come here just to make the numbers up, this is a challenge I am ready to throw myself into.”
Moulden’s departure comes at a time when Dale are already without back-up goalkeeper Brad Kelly, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season recently due a knee injury. The goalkeeper made his professional debut for Dale earlier this month in the FA Trophy against Gateshead but picked up an injury in that game.
“He needs surgery. And it’s going to be lengthy. It’s a shame for him. I feel so sorry for him,” said Mcnulty.
“He’s taken a new stride this year, making his professional debut. I think he feels closer to the team and the group more than he’s ever felt.
“He picked up an injury in the game that he played against Gateshead, really early in the game.”