Browse Sections

• Rochdale FC
• Rochdale Hornets
• Local football
• Local cricket

Jesus' arrival heaven sent for Dale

Jonathan Greaney
21/10/2002

ROCHDALE have taken Spaniard Jesus Fernandez Mengual on a week's trial.

The former Real Zaragoza central midfielder had been on trial at neighbours Oldham, and boss Iain Dowie was hoping to sign him permanently.

But the Latics' financial constraints meant he was not able to stay at Boundary Park, and Rochdale manager Paul Simpson jumped at the chance to offer the 22-year-old a trial at Spotland.

"He played in a reserve team friendly for Oldham against us a couple of weeks ago and did quite well," Simpson said. "We got a phone call from David Cross at Oldham to say all the staff there liked him, but because they've got such a big squad, they couldn't afford to keep him. We brought him in to train with us on Monday and he did well in training, so we asked him to come back for the rest of the week."

Simpson added that he was impressed with what he saw and tried to get him registered for tonight's (Tuesday) game against Bury in the LDV Vans Trophy. Unfortunately, due to training, he missed the 12 noon deadline.

"He has come on a recommendation from David Cross and I was impressed with what I saw," Simpson continued. "He did very well for Oldham in the reserve games he played in. He is very athletic, very tidy on the ball, and he has got a good attitude."

Fernandez Mengual left Spain to study economics at Salford University this year. He has previously played for Real Zaragoza's reserve side and was excited about the chance to play football in England.

But Simpson added that the Spaniard's trial will not affect on-going talks with Ian Bishop. The Rochdale boss said: "It doesn't change anything with Bish. I've spoken to him and explained the problem we've got.

"We want him to stay with us for the time being but we're not in a position at the moment to offer him a permanent contract. That is because of the financial side of things, and also we want to keep an eye on his injury problem and see if he is over it. He wants something more definite but has said he will carry on and give it his best shot."