In light of the growing number of Exiles within the Trust, the Trust have appointed an Exiles Coordinator.
Longstanding Trust member Ian Goodwin has been appointed as Exiles Coordinator for the Trust in reflection of the increase in Exile members. We now have around 120 Exile members which is a record for the Trust.
Sheffield based Ian said: I have been asked by the Dale Trust to be the organiser for the annual Exiles match for 2019. I have been supporting the Dale since the early 1960s and watched the first leg of the League Cup final against Norwich in 1962. My later school years were spent making trips to such exotic locations as Workington, Southport, Halifax and York with similarly afflicted friends.
Study and work took me away from the north for much of the 1970s and 1980s but a move to Sheffield in 1987 enabled me to feed my Dale habit more regularly. Retirement last year brought the benefit of additional leisure time and I currently have a country season ticket.
The Exiles match is always an enjoyable day out and the recent game against Portsmouth saw our biggest turnout. In 2019 I hope we can exceed the 39 members who attended this year. It’s a real family occasion – no-one is too young or too old to enjoy. The club do us proud with a box, buffet and a chance to meet directors and players. The Exiles also nominate the man of the match.
More details for 2019 to follow when the fixture list is announced and we choose a suitable match. The last two years have seen 3-3 draws against Sheffield United and Portsmouth, so we do seem to pick some great matches. I hope to see old and new friends next season when we seek to preserve a remarkable record of never having lost an Exiles match.