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.