Rochdale plan stadium meeting

Chairman Chris Dunphy is set to call a general meeting to explain why Rochdale's plans to buy Spotland Stadium have been delayed.

The club has held behind-closed-doors meetings with Denehurst Park Stadium Company, who oversee the running of the site, Rochdale Council and rugby league side Rochdale Hornets, who ground-share at Spotland. But protracted negotiations appear to have reached an impasse and Dunphy has responded to growing concerns from the club's fans. Dunphy said in a club statement: "Having spoken to many supporters at Saturday's game, I am aware of their concerns over the recent 'silence' on Spotland Stadium, therefore I would like to briefly update you on the current situation. "Talks are ongoing with all parties, and at their request and as a matter of respect for them, we have kept the matter out of the public domain thus far. "I and the rest of my board would like to thank you all for your support, understanding and trust in this matter, and would wish to reassure you that we are working long and hard in very difficult circumstances to produce the correct outcome for Rochdale AFC. "I am, however, now giving notice that Rochdale AFC may well have to call shareholders to an extraordinary general meeting at which the full story of the stadium saga will be told in detail. "It will also allow members to discuss and, if needed, vote on any matters arising that may affect the future of the club in relation to Spotland Stadium." Dale manager Keith Hill revealed in August that the club had made "a superb offer" to buy Spotland, but the chairman of Denehurst Park Stadium Company, Councillor Brett Allen, said at the time that he had no knowledge of it. Rochdale Football Club, the Rugby League Facilities Trust, who act on behalf of the Hornets after the club's previous financial problems, and Rochdale Council all have shares in Denehurst Park Stadium Company, which is currently operating with big debts. Hill confirmed in July that the money the football club received for the sale of striker Scott Hogan to Brentford, understood to be an initial B£750,000 plus add-ons, would be used to "safeguard the future of the football club" rather than signing new players.