Today Andy Duff via the club web site announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of 5he season.
Andy’s input into the club at a time when things were still very bleak back in 2024 was to bring about structure, change and a clear direction which has seen “ The Dale” with the guidance and support of the Ogden family move onto a platform of safety and security guaranteeing continuing football at the COA and a base for continuing development.
Andy, from a Daletrust perspective you have been a pleasure to work with, often listening with the patience of Job, yet giving us most of what we ever wanted, denying occasionally but always in a friendly and constructive way enabling our mutual work to continue and facilitated a deep bond of trust between us and your team.
Below is the full statement released via the club website.
Andy joined the club in the summer of 2024 as Director of Commercial Operations, before assuming the role of Managing Director in January 2025.
In that time, he has overseen significant progress off the pitch, including the introduction of new ticketing partner, Fanbase, enhancements to commercial and retail operations, and strengthened fan relationships.
Commenting on the news, Andy said: “My two seasons at Rochdale AFC have been a thoroughly enjoyable challenge. I appreciate the opportunity that Cameron and Simon gave me to help lead the club away from a difficult period and into a new era under the ownership of the Ogden Family.
“I am proud of the achievements and operational improvements we have delivered during my time, especially via the introduction of a new ticketing system, fan relationships, retail operations and all of our commercial and community engagement.
“Back in Spring 2024, the club had been through a tough few years, and it’s been a privilege to play a part in strengthening the connections throughout the club and between the Directors, Executive leadership and supporters.
“I will continue to support the Board until the end of the season and during the recruitment process, before taking some time off with my family over the spring and summer months.
“I want to put on record my heartfelt thanks to a few specific people. Thank you to Simon for trusting me at the start of my tenure and for giving me the freedom to drive forward with the changes I felt were necessary to improve the club.
“Thank you to Cameron and his family for their complete support in my role. We are fortunate to have such fantastic owners who are both smart business operators and community focused custodians.
“I have enjoyed a very close day-to-day working relationship with Jamie Willoughby and will miss his challenge and wise counsel, along with a highly respectful day-to-day relationship with George Delves, who continues to serve Rochdale AFC with dedication.
“Thank you to the staff team who have joined and supported me on this journey. Finally, thank you to all supporters and sponsors for accepting me into the Rochdale community, and to the Club Advisory Board, Dale 1907 and Dale Supporters Trust for all you do for the club.
“I hope my final months at Rochdale AFC coincide with the club being promoted back to the EFL where it rightfully belongs.”
The process of appointing a replacement for Andy is well underway, as we continue to build on the progress that the club has made in recent years.