Rochdale AFC have agreed an undisclosed six figure fee with Colchester United for the transfer of midfielder David Perkins.

Rochdale AFC would like to confirm that there was a clause in David Perkins contract allowing the player to speak to other clubs if certain conditions were met. The fact was that discussions took place with David in the summer of 2007 as David's contract had only a year left to run. David always stated that he had ambitions to play at a higher level and we feel that had we got promoted last season that David may have signed a new contract with the club. The agreement was reached amicably by both David and the Club and we respected David's position as much as he respected ours.

It is also a fact that had we not reached an agreement with David last year he would have been able to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, it therefore made good sense for both parties to reach an agreement, which we did.

The Club were obviously keen to secure the services of David on an extended contract and new terms were offered to him during the close season but David preferred to keep his options open and the chance of fulfilling his ambition of playing at a higher level.

The Club is naturally disappointed to lose the services of David Perkins and few would argue about the significant contribution that he made to our success last season David has always given his best for the Club and we would like to thank him most sincerely and wish him all the best at his new club.