The Trust is pleased to announce two new board members, who will significantly enhance our initiatives for the upcoming season. One of the latest members will be a familiar face, which may surprise some. The other is a well-known Daley, who is particularly recognised among those involved in memorabilia and Dale Shirt collectors.
First, we welcome Kieron Babbington. 
Kieron is well known to many as a passionate supporter and will be a great advocate for some of our younger and junior fans who often feel underrepresented. Well, that certainly has changed now! Bubbling with ideas, we asked Kieron to pen a few words about what he wanted from the Trust. Here is what he said
“One of my goals while serving on the Trust is to involve more young people. I want to enhance the away fan experience for our supporters.
I became a fan of Rochdale under difficult circumstances several years ago after losing my dad, with whom I used to go to Newcastle games for many years. After his passing, I couldn’t travel up there every weekend. I attended my first Rochdale game and immediately fell in love with lower division football and the close-knit atmosphere. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
My favourite player is Liam Hogan, but Calvin Andrews’ performance in recent years has also stood out to me. My favourite away game was at Newport on the last day of the 21/22 season, where I dressed up as Sanka from *Cool Runnings* and jumped down the train aisle.”
Thanks, Kieron, a taste of things to come!
We also welcome Matt Cullen to the trust board. As mentioned above, Matt, seen on the right in the photo receiving his Nevitt shirt from the Trust’s Dave Earnshaw at the recent Curry Night, is well known amongst some of the fan base. Matt also brings a new dynamic to the Trust Board; his experience and knowledge will be invaluable. Like Kieron, we asked Mat to pen a few words about himself.
Here is what he had to say.
I am a teacher by profession and have spent many years living away from Rochdale. However, I am grateful to have moved back to the area where I grew up. This allows me to teach, be close to my family, and support my local team.
It was a proud moment for me to be offered the opportunity to join the Supporters Trust, an organisation I have always admired from afar. Engaging with the local community and fans through our club is an opportunity that I couldn’t refuse.
My first game was in November 2000—it was a 0-0 draw against Barnet, with Tony Cottee in the opposing dugout. Regardless of the result, it ignited a passion in me.
I am a strong supporter of local history and Rochdale AFC and an avid collector of Rochdale AFC shirts, including old, match, and signed ones. Initially, I aimed to acquire one of every outfield shirt since my first game in 2000, but my collection has grown significantly. I’m grateful to everyone who has sold me shirts to help build my collection.
I want to share my shirt-collecting journey on Instagram under the handle ‘myfootballshirtstory,’ highlighting the club’s history and the players’ stories. It would also be wonderful to share my passion with the Supporters Trust community.
I look forward to seeing you all at the desk, games, and events. I am always ready to talk Trust and football, so please do catch me.”
Thanks Mat.