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Dale accept bids for Perkins

Exclusive by Richard Partington
4/ 7/2008

ROCHDALE have accepted bids from at least two League One clubs for midfield ace David Perkins.

Stockport County had already held talks with the midfielder as the Observer went to press – but a deal taking him to the Hatters was far from cut and dried.

Another League One outfit, believed to be Colchester United, have also had a bid accepted.

Wherever the destination, it was looking increasingly likely that Perkins will realise his ambition of playing at a higher level by moving away from Spotland.

The news comes as a bitter disappointment to Dale supporters who had adopted the terrier-like star as a firm favourite. With his eye-catching blonde locks and all-action style of play, the 26-year-old proved an inspired signing when Keith Hill brought him to the club in January 2006.

Nevertheless, Hill and Dave Flitcroft’s seven-year plan for the club has always accounted for the sale of players along the way, and the blow of Perkins’ likely departure was tempered somewhat this week by the arrival of classy midfield operator Clarke Keltie and Scott Wiseman, a utility defender who can also play in midfield. Both players featured for Darlington in the League Two Play-Off semi-final back in May.

Keltie and Cieran Toner will compete for Perkins’ place in the middle and with Wiseman bolstering an already impressive backline and Lee Thorpe signing a six-month contract, Dale’s attention is now focused on landing a quality forward.

To that end, Hill was at an advanced stage of negotiations with a striker and further talks were taking place yesterday. The manager was understandably reluctant to name the player given the fact other clubs are also competing for his signature, but he was hopeful of finally landing a replacement for Glenn Murray.

The Dale boss has so far been frustrated in his attempts to secure the services of a big frontman, but he insists the outlook remains positive and has been surprised by some of the negativity surrounding the club since their maiden Wembley appearance just six weeks ago.

"We’re very optimistic and I have sensed a lot of negativity towards things that have happened or haven’t happened, and it shouldn’t be like that after what was an outstanding season last time," said Hill. "There’s no negativity with respect to the players we are signing. They are a good age and good calibre.

"Clark is quality footballer with a one-club history behind him. This is an opportunity for him to get out and see the real world. Sometimes you are protected within your own environment and the club you have grown up with. It’s similar to Tom Kennedy – he’s been revitalised with respect to the career change he made when he joined us from Bury. I’m expecting the same sort of scenario with Clark.

"Ciaran is another quality player who I expect to flourish in our football-specific environment.

"We needed to strengthen midfield and if we can marry their football ability with endeavour, we’ll be a hell of a prospect for anyone.

"With respect to Scott Wiseman, I think all Rochdale supporters who watched both legs of the Play-Off semi-final will have seen what a good utility defender he is.

"He’s signed a shorter deal and it’s very much a case of ‘let’s see how we work with each other’ in terms of extending that deal."