FUTURE OF DALE NOW IN HANDS OF FANS

ROCHDALE shareholders will take a historic vote on Thursday to determine the future of the National League club.

Chairman Simon Gauge revealed last week that Dale faced the possibility of liquidation if an investor was not found before the end of March.

But now American firm World Soccer Holdings LLC (WSH) have announced they had signed a letter of intent to buy the 117-year-old club.

In order for that to happen, however, the club’s shareholders must agree to change the share structure at the club in order to create an extra nine million shares and allow the new investors to climb on board.

An Extraordinary General Meeting has been called for Thursday where it is hoped the new share structure will be rubber-stamped.

Texas based World Soccer Holdings, who also own a sizeable chunk of Dutch second division side MVV Maastricht, are expected to attend Dale’s home game against Oxford City on Saturday.

Urging fans to vote for the deal Gauge said: “Investment in the club is essential for our survival, and WSH tick so many of the boxes that we have been looking for in an investor.

“They have a track record in sporting investments and have a longterm sporting plan for the club and come with expertise in the field.”

.WSH CEO Scott Dyer said: “We are really pleased to be moving forward with investment in Rochdale AFC.

“We have great respect and admiration for the history and the culture of the club, and we are grateful for the hard work and sacrifices undertaken by both the staff and board and the supporter’s trust to make this partnership possible.

“We look forward to engaging now with the Dale Trust to answer any questions that they may have regarding our investment and with local politicians to gauge the level of support we can expect to receive to support our investment in Rochdale AFC.

“We could not let 100 years of history go to waste, and we believe we can work together to elevate The Dale back to its previous heights and beyond.”