Rochdale Football Club have extended the hand of friendship to the only semi-professional club in the town by forging links with the newly renamed Rochdale Town FC, formerly Castleton Gabriels.

Chairman and player/manager of Rochdale Town Mark Canning explained, "We haven't come cap in hand to the football club and we are not asking for anything other than their support and of course their blessing for our name change. I do what I do for the love of the sport and my only aim is to keep semi-pro football alive in the town. We are hoping to forge strong links with Rochdale but obviously we are at a very early stage in the process. If you look at AFC Blackpool they have rebranded themselves from their original Blackpool Mechanics and that has proved to be good for them. We have had lengthy discussions with officials from Rochdale and we are delighted to have their blessing. Indeed as a mark of respect we are going to change our kit to mirror Rochdale's Centenary"

" One area that we might benefit but be of help is with young players. Not all scholars make the grade, indeed that was the case for myself when Eddie Gray released me from Rochdale but perhaps they might wish to continue representing the town albeit at a lower standard with ourselves. The pyramid is an important part of English football and sometimes young players do have to take a backwards step to get themselves back into the shop window. If any young players were to come to us they would be well looked after and coached in the right manner. Our facilities are very good and the pitch, like many in our league, is of an increasingly good standard. "

"We do want and do not think for one minute that we could take supporters away from Spotland .All we are doing is attempting to ensure that semi-pro football remains alive and well in the town. I have been at the club for 4 years or so and I am aware that there is a certain stigma attached to the name Castleton Gabriels but hopefully this is the start of something new" 

From Rochdale point of view we are pleased to extend the hand of friendship to Rochdale Town and are now looking forward to seeing how we might build a mutually beneficial relationship.

For the record Rochdale Town will be competing in the Vodkat North West Counties 1st Division in the coming season.