Sinclair released in Dale reshaping
TYRESE Sinclair and Adam Clayton were the stand-out names to be released by Rochdale AFC as Jim Mcnulty revealed his retained list following the end of the National League campaign.
Both players were among those whose contracts ran out this summer and it looks likely Sinclair will pursue his desire to return to the EFL while the experienced Clayton featured less and less in the seconf half of the campaign after a knee injury in December.
Defender Max Taylor and attacking wide man Michael Afuye, both out of contract, also depart the club having struggled to make an impact.
The club is in negotiations to keep several other players whose contracts run out in June, among them club legend Ian Henderson.
Dale’s record goalscorer will be 40 in January, but demonstrated he still has the ability to contribute positively last term when he netted 11 goals.
Brad Kelly, Cameron
John, Devante Rodney, Ethan Ebanks-landell, and Jimmy Keohane have also been offered new deals to remain at the Crown Oil Arena.
The club has triggered a one-year option on fullback Kyron Gordon until the end of 2024/25 season.
The defender spent the first part of the season with AFC Fylde and made his Dale debut in a 2-0 win over Kidderminster Harriers, shortly after signing a deal until the end of the season.
From then, the Sheffield United Academy graduate started every game for Mcnulty’s men, racking up 19 appearances in total.
The players still under contract remaining at the club are George Nevett, Harvey Gilmore, Ryan East, Kairo Mitchell, Jesurun Uchegbulam and Kyle Ferguson.
Loan players returning to their parent clubs include Cian Hayes, D’mani Mellor, Dan Sassi, Finlay Armstrong, Jacob Chapman, Sam Mather, Sam Murray and Tiernan Brooks.
Tomorrow sees the National League playfinal with Solihull Moors taking on Bromley.
Moors eased part Barnet last weekend, beating them 4-0, while Bromley were 3-1 winners against Altrincham in the other semi-final.
Dale Women were beaten 2-1 by Boltonians Ladies AFC in the Greater Manchester Women’s Football League Premier Division on Sunday.
Jodie Cocker scored Dale’s only goal of the game, but an own goal and a last minute winner saw Lee Atkinson’s side defeated for the first time in four games.
The team now play two cup finals in quick succession during May.
In an incredible first season for the new team, they have reached both the Greater Manchester Women’s Football League Premier and Challenge Cup finals.
Atkinson’s side take on Salford United Women in the Premier Cup final tomorrow (2pm), before facing Manchester Laces in the Challenge Cup final on Wednesday 8th May (7.45pm).
Both matches will take place at Avro FC’S Vestacare Stadium. It is £5 for adults, £2 for under-16s and free for under-3s. Supporters can pay at the turnstiles with either cash or card.
Dale beat Atherton Laburnum Rovers 3-2 in the Premier Cup semifinal and were 4-1 winners over Athletico Middleton in the Challenge Cup semi.