football
REMEMBERING DALE SUPERFAN, 'CLOUGHIE' A lasting tribute to Rochdale 'superfan' David Clough will be in place at the Crown Oil Arena for the start of the 2021/22 campaign. Thanks to the generosity of Dale fans and supporters of clubs across the football family, a statue dedicated to 'Cloughie' will take pride of place inside the stadium. David, who lived in Littleborough and worked at the former Whittles Bakery, was a Goldbond Agent for over 25 years and served an incredible 800 members. During his time as a Goldbond Agent, it is estimated that he raised over half a million pounds for the club! Not only that, such was his love for Rochdale Football Club, Mr Clough bequeathed his entire estate to the club upon his death last year. It was announced in January that some of his legacy would be used to purchase a scoreboard at the Crown Oil Arena. Scanlite have been appointed to supply and install the scoreboard, which will be located on the fascia of the Reside Stand for all home fans to see. That, too, will be in place for the new season. One supporter - Mark Cryer - was so touched by Cloughie’s gesture and support of the club, that he set up a JustGiving Page to raise funds to commission the lasting tribute to David at the Crown Oil Arena and to retire his seat. The idea came from Spanish side Valencia, who did something similar for a supporter of their club. Thanks to the magnificent efforts of those who donated, the £10,000 target was reached in less than two weeks, and a statue will now be placed upon Cloughie’s seat in the Main Stand. Sculptor Simon Carter has been commissioned to create the statue. It’s currently at the clay model stage of production.
BLUEBIRD CARE SPONSOR ROCHDALE AFC LADIES Heywood based Bluebird Care Rochdale, which offers services from check-in visits to full, live-in support for those who need it, have worked with Rochdale AFC on several initiatives in the past but have now made a significant investment to support the development women’s and girls game across the Borough. "We are delighted to announce Bluebird Care Rochdale as the main kit sponsor of Rochdale AFC Ladies", commented Ryan Bradley, Community Director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust. "This is a significant investment from the company and will significantly support our plans for 2021/22. "I would like to thank Beryl and John Keogh and the whole of the Bluebird Care team for their support and look forward to working with them." Rochdale AFC Ladies caters for women and girls from under 10s through to open age, with over 100 players and volunteers currently registered with the club.
24 | Rochdale Style
"We are in a predominantly female industry and, as a company, we wanted to support a local cause which reflected that", commented John Keogh, Director of Bluebird Care, Rochdale. "We have supported the Dale previously by delivering Dementia Friends awareness sessions and working with the Military Veterans’ team. The chance to further our brand through an association with Rochdale AFC Ladies is one we couldn’t turn down." As well as the Bluebird Care logo adorning the front of the new Rochdale AFC Ladies playing shirts, there will be Bluebird Care Team of the Week and ticket and merchandise giveaways on the Bluebird Care social media channels. To find out more about Bluebird Care, visit: www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/rochdale To find out more about Rochdale AFC Ladies, visitrochdaleafccommunity.org
