Sport

Keith Hill keen to add much-needed experience to Rochdale ranks ahead of ‘successful season’ at Spotland

By Suraj Radia

Rochdale boss Keith Hill admitted he will now turn his attention to signing more experienced players, after Peter Vincenti, Scott Hogan and Bastien Hery all joined the club.

Hogan, 21, Vincenti, 26, and Hery, 21, will link up with the Dale on July 1 after signing from Hyde, Aldershot Town and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.

Only utility man Vincenti has any Football League experience out of the trio and Hill believes his young side can benefit from older faces around the club.

“I can’t spend all my budget on uncut diamonds,” Hill said. “I need players who are capable and understand League Two football.

“Yes we’re going to create a football factory almost, but we’ve also got to have the skills and potential as a team to make an impact on young players’ careers.

“We will give the young players time on the pitch but we also have to recruit players who have a certain standing in and understanding of League Two football.

“It will be very successful next season – that’s what we are planning for.”

Vincenti and Hogan have penned two-year deals at Spotland, while Frenchman Hery – who did not make a first team appearance in his year at Hillsborough – has signed for 12 months.

Hill is in talks with eight players at the club who are out of contract and said he wants them to ‘find a home’ at Rochdale, but will not break the bank.

“I sensed a little bit of disappointment from a few of the players with respect to the offers of contracts that we’ve made, but they’ll sort it out in their own mind,” he said.

“If those players decide not to sign there’s a wealth of other players available. Yes, I’m looking forward to the prospect of working with those players but also alternative players as well.

“Our aim is to recruit the right calibre of player with the right attitude and application and it is going to be enjoyable for the players.

 “It is important that people understand that I can’t put the financial future of this football club at risk.”

Meanwhile, Dele Adebola, Craig Curran, Sam Minihan and Luke Watson will leave the club after they were not offered new contracts.

Image courtesy of texacoukfc, via YouTube, with thanks.

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