Rochdale

Rochdale
Townson's Moss Rose loan extended Macclesfield have extended the loan spell of Rochdale striker Kevin Townson to take in their play-off campaign. Townson will be available for both legs of the semi-final against Lincoln and the final on 28 May if they make it. The 22-year-old has started twice and made four substitute appearances for Brian Horton's side since his arrival in March, but has yet to score. Townson has already been told by Rochdale manager Steve Parkin that he will be released this summer.

Woking defenders make League move
Woking defenders Luke Oliver and Jon Boardman have secured moves to League Two clubs. Oliver has signed for champions Yeovil Town but a fee is still to be decided for the 21-year-old former Wycombe Wanderers centre-back. Boardman, 24, has joined Rochdale to end a three-year stay with the Cards, where he started 127 Conference games. And Simon Jackson, Gary MacDonald, Liam Cockerill, Karl Murray, Steve Evans and Chris Sharpling have agreed new deals.

Rochdale want Gilks to sign deal
Rochdale manager Steve Parkin has underlined his desire to hold onto highly-rated goalkeeper Matthew Gilks. Gilks, 22, is out of contract this summer but has opened talks about a new deal to stay with the League Two club. "Matthew had a fine season and I'm not surprised he's being looked at by other clubs," Parkin told Rochdale's website. "We would like to keep him at Rochdale and see him develop even further and I hope he decides this is the way he'd like to progress his career."

Glovers have Holt offer rejected
Yeovil Town have failed with a bid for Rochdale striker Gary Holt. The 24-year-old scored 24 times for Dale last season, and Glovers boss Gary Johnson said: "We did make a substantial offer which was rejected. "Unless Rochdale reconsider that offer we will turn our sights to other targets," he told the Western Gazette. Marcus Richardson has left Yeovil to sign a one-year deal with Chester, and Polish frontman Bartosz Tarachulski has also left Huish Park.

Imps boss joins hunt for Bramble
Lincoln have joined Rochdale in the race to sign striker Tes Bramble, who was recently released by Southend. Dale manager Steve Parkin has already admitted he had held talks with the 24-year-old, who has also reportedly been linked with Nottingham Forest. But Imps boss Keith Alexander told the Lincolnshire Echo: "Tes is on our list. "I'm trying all the time to bring people in, but I haven't spoken to him yet because he's away on holiday with his brother." Parkin had told Rochdale's website: "Tes is a good player. I've had talks and by offering the chance to stay in the League I hope he chooses to move north." Bramble, whose brother is Newcastle defender Titus, ended last season on loan at Cambridge United, who were relegated to the Conference. He scored three times in nine games for the U's, having netted 40 times in a four-year stay at Roots Hall.

Rochdale warn off Holt admirers
Rochdale have told Yeovil and Swansea they must up their bids if they are serious about signing Grant Holt. Holt, who still has 12 months to run on his current deal, scored 24 times last season to attract offers from two clubs who clinched promotion from League Two. But Dale say they are not looking to cash in on the 24-year-old striker. "Unless someone comes in with an offer we cannot refuse, then he'll be playing for Rochdale next season," director Jim Fagan told Dale's website.

Rochdale goalkeeper in Bury talks
Long-serving Rochdale goalkeeper Neil Edwards has opened talks with Bury about a possible switch to Gigg Lane. Edwards, 34, is disappointed with the new deal offered by Rochdale and could end his eight-year stay at Spotland if terms are not improved. "I have spoken to Graham Barrow at Bury regarding a move, but talks are at an early stage," he told club website. Barrow has lined up the signing of Craig Dootson but wants to add a second keeper following Glyn Garners exit.

Swansea keep Holt interest alive
Rochdale have rejected a new improved Swansea bid for striker Grant Holt, thought to be close to £130,000. Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins told BBC Sport Wales that Rochdale are asking significantly more for 24-year-old Holt, who scored 24 goals last season. "There is an on-going dialogue with Rochdale," Jenkins said. "I think they're prepared to sell Grant, but naturally they're trying to get as much as they can for him and are actively trying to get other bids in." League Two champions Yeovil Town, promoted alongside Swansea, have also had an offer for Holt rejected by Rochdale. The ex-Sheffield Wednesday striker has yet to sign an extension to his current contract, which has just another 12 months to run, and that may force Rochdale to cash in on their prize asset while they can. The Rochdale board has suggested that it would take £300,000 to prise Holt away from Spotland. But Jenkins says that valuation is unrealistic for a striker from League Two. "We do think he would be a great asset for us, but most players who have gone to other clubs lately from League Two have sold for possibly £100,000 to £150,000," Jenkins added. "I think we are on the right track with the value of him, but I can understand Rochdale trying to get a bit more. "So we'll keep monitoring that and hopefully our persistence will pay off." Meanwhile, Australian youngsters Matthew Gordon, a midfielder from Sydney Olympic, and former Sydney United player Ian Ramsey have been invited to attend pre-season training with the Swans as they seek a contract in the UK.

Griffiths shelves retirement plan
Rochdale defender Gareth Griffiths, 35, has signed a new 12-month deal after shelving his retirement plans. He announced his intention to hang up his boots at the end of last season but has had a re-think following an upturn in fortunes under boss Steve Parkin. "It's a great place to be since the gaffer came back and I'm happy to have signed for another season," Griffiths told Rochdale's website. He has started over 150 games for Dale since joining from Wigan in July 2001.

Gilks signs new Rochdale contract
Rochdale goalkeeper Matt Gilks has ended speculation about his future by agreeing a new two-year contract. Boss Steve Parkin told the club's website of the 22-year-old: "Matt was an influential player in our team last season and he can only get better. "He is always willing to listen to what you have to say and I have no doubts in my mind that next season he'll continue to blossom into a top-class goalkeeper. "We've worked hard to keep him and it looks like this effort has paid off."

Cartwright seals Spotland switch
Rochdale have signed winger Lee Cartwright, who was released by Stockport at the end of last season. The 32-year-old ex-Preston man has signed a one-year contract at Spotland, and boss Steve Parkin admitted; "We need a little experience in the side. "Lee will give us experience down the right flank, and he can also play in a couple of other positions as well. "He's played a lot of games when he was at Preston and Stockport, and is still very fit," he told the club website. Cartwright added: "I stayed in touch with Rickie Lambert after his move from Stockport, and he's enjoying his time at Rochdale - I believe we will have a good chance next season. "I've got a contract for next season - hopefully I can do well for the club and extend my stay. I'll give 100% effort - something supporters from Preston and Stockport will tell you I do in every game." Cartwright spent 16 months at Stockport following a 13-year stay with Preston, where he made almost 500 appearances. Meanwhile, Rochdale captain Gary Jones has agreed a new deal at Spotland. The 28-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year contract to keep him with Dale until June, 2007. Dale boss Parkin said: "He brings strength and character to the team both on and off the field and I'm delighted he's agreed to stay." Jones has played over 200 games in two separate spells at Rochdale either side of a stint at Barnsley.

Holt signs new deal at Rochdale
Rochdale striker Grant Holt has ended the speculation over his future by signing a new deal. Holt, a summer transfer target for both Yeovil and Swansea City, has agreed a 12-month contract extension to keep him at Rochdale until June, 2007. "If the club accepted a bid then I suppose I would have had to listen what they had to say but it never got that far," Holt told Dale's website. Holt, 24, scored 24 goals for Rochdale last season.

Edwards agony over contract talks
Rochdale's long-serving goalkeeper Neil Edwards says he is torn between staying at Spotland and leaving to join Bury. The 34-year-old is still in talks with both clubs and is unhappy with the terms currently being offered by Dale. "I'm considering my options and I have to admit it is not the best time I've had as a professional," Edwards said. "I've been at Spotland for nine years and to leave would be a big wrench, but my first thought like anybody has to be my family and about paying the bills."

Winger Aiston is Rochdale target
Rochdale manager Steve Parkin is hoping to add former Shrewsbury Town winger Sam Aiston to his squad. Parkin has held talks with the 28-year-old, who recently rejected the chance to join Darlington. "I am keen to bring in a left winger and he'd fit the bill perfectly," Parkin told Rochdale's website. Aiston, who started his career at Sunderland, was released by Shrewsbury at the end of last season after making almost 200 appearances for the club.

Keeper Edwards makes Bury switch
Long-serving goalkeeper Neil Edwards has rejected a new contract offer from Rochdale to join near neighbours Bury on a 12-month deal. The 34-year-old started over 250 games after signing from Stockport. His switch to Bury means playing again for manager Graham Barrow, who took Edwards to Spotland when he was in charge of Rochdale. Meanwhile, midfielder Scott Warner, 21, and defender Tony Gallimore, 33, have signed new 12-month deals with Dale.

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