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Rochdale close to being saved from serious threat of liquidation by US investor

Rochdale are close to being saved from a serious threat of liquidation by US investor World Soccer Holdings LLC, it’s been confirmed.

World Soccer Holdings LLC has recently entered into a letter of intent to acquire the National League side, after chairman Simon Gauge expressed concerns about the club potentially being liquidated if they failed to secure new investments before the end of March.

After a 102-year run, Dale were relegated from the Football League last season, and currently sit 11th in the top tier of non league, 9 points from the playoffs.

The deal is subject to shareholder approval of the resolutions to create shares at the Extraordinary General Meeting on the 7th of March.

STATEMENT:

Rochdale AFC is pleased to announce that World Soccer Holdings LLC have today signed a Letter of Intent to purchase Rochdale AFC.

The deal is subject to Shareholder approval of the resolutions to create shares at the EGM on the 7th March 2024.

Rochdale AFC Chairman Simon Gauge stated: “We are delighted to receive the LOI from World Soccer Holdings.

“Investment in the club is essential for our survival, and WSH tick so many of the boxes that we have been looking for in an investor.

“They have a track record in sporting investments and have a long-term sporting plan for the club and come with expertise in the field.

“We look forward to engaging with them, shareholders, local politicians, and suppliers to meet the conditions that are required to conclude the sale of the club.”

World Soccer Holdings CEO Scott Dyer said: “We are really pleased to be moving forward with investment in Rochdale AFC.

“We have great respect and admiration for the history and the culture of the club, and we are grateful for the hard work and sacrifices undertaken by both the staff and board and the supporter’s trust to make this partnership possible.

“We look forward to engaging now with the Dale Trust to answer any questions that they may have regarding our investment and with local politicians to gauge the level of support we can expect to receive to support our investment in RAFC.

“We could not let 100 years of history go to waste, and we believe we can work together to elevate The Dale back to its previous heights and beyond.

“We look forward to visiting Rochdale for the game on the 9th March against Oxford City.”

Twitter users reacted with Rochdale close to being saved from the serious threat of liquidation by a US investor…

@CharxRafc: Looks really positive. Fingers crossed the shareholders agree and vote for it to happen 🥰🤞🏻⚽️ Up the Dale 💙 #RAFC

@Wozz77: I understand the current feeling that you’re being saved but Be Cautious, why would they want Rochdale? Why would Yanks invest/bankroll a club if there wasnt anything in it for them.. No footy fan wants to see any club go under but desperation can lead to daft decisions..

@RochdaleFan: Can see what you are saying and I’m sure due diligence will be done on them. But, what is our other option? Don’t get investment by the end of March we go under anyways.

@hamster310881: I understand what your saying Woz,but desperation is a strong thing,I know some new owners can deceive you but they sound pretty honest & determined too help us.They might want interest in Rochdale for a reason we wouldn’t know off and surprise us.

@Chris4RAFC: I got a shiver reading this knowing how much the club means to me and so many fans. Please vote YES on 7th March

@adamReadingFC: brilliant news, when is our turn ☹️ #readingfc #rafc

@AllDaleArentWe: Please don’t let this fall apart 🙏 💙🔵⚽️

@hamster310881: Great news to save the future off our great club, let’s now push for the vote to go through at the EGM on 7th March & continue the great 117 year history that Rochdale has created 😀

@JakeeReeves: Great news. Just Torquay to go now.

@JWheelhouse_01: Absolutely fantastic news for all those associated with Rochdale 👏🏻 Probably get shot down for this, but makes you wonder why we always struggle to attract people if we really are up for sale…

@Wppsreborn: Good luck to em, but a consortium that calm themselves World Soccer Holdings doesn’t really fill me with confidence that it’s some long term, sustainable investment plan

@MessyRAFC: This American pre season tour gonna hit like crack omg. UP THE FUCKING DALE. PS: Shareholders, if you vote no on the 7th, I hope you rot in hell 🙂🦅

@cambo691: Maybe cautiously optimistic but who knows that these aren’t another set of venture capitalists

@m0wk99: I just hope that these Americans come in and show some ambition. Welcomed news with reason to be optimistic.

@albolte: Just hoping this is legitimate and not a fly-by-night bid. Not a lot of information on World Soccer Holdings that I can find.

@mesh1969: Great news. Hope it’s all sorted soon. Wigan fan

@JRfc1871: Everyone’s getting saved apart from us it seems like #readingfc

@longlaneroyal: Great news for your club 👏👏👏 Come on Dai Yongge now get your arse out of #readingfc

@SSOrient1879: Really pleased for Rochdale AFC hope takeover goes smoothly & well with new custodians Football Family

@martynmilligan: It’s great news. Those suggesting we tread cautiously need to understand the only alternative appears to be liquidation. It’s a gamble, but one that has to be taken.

@ByronMcCrime: Please, please, please shareholders, do not be cunts about this

@MillwallMuseum: Fantastic news guy’s! Hoping all goes well 👌👏💙

@WBeauchamp1995: Glad they’ve found a quick resolution. Also shows how much shite Nigel Howe talks, it’s all smoke and mirrors. Dai is running the club into the ground and the @EFL are enabling him. #ReadingFC #SellBeforeWeDai #FuckTheEFL

@Mattowler: From a torquay fan. That’s excellent news.

@IBradders: I have absolutely everything crossed for a great football club.

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