Dale For Sale

Date published: 18 November 2009

Andrew Connolly ,the owner of UniBond League Division 1 North club Rossendale United FC, has put the club up for sale. The sale will include the ground, facilities and social club. 

Mr Connolly said: "It is the whole entity of Rossendale United. I have not had it valued at the moment and there has been a lot of rumour and speculation. But there is no other reason that I am selling than it is good for Rossendale United. Whoever owns it would need to be involved and there is no point buying it if people are not going to be involved." 

Connolly, 47, has owned the club for a decade but it has been run for two years by volunteers headed by Chairman and former player Steve Hobson. 

The owner said: "I just feel that it is the right time for somebody to come in. The debts have been cleared and it needs someone with enthusiasm to take over with some new blood. I have been involved for 10 years and think that it is a great opportunity for someone with enthusiasm to get stuck in. I have not been up this season and I think that it is only fair to the club to sell, but I want to make sure that the right person takes over.

"The stands have been done and the pitch is in good shape and the social club has been done up. It is a great facility. I have put a lot of time and hard work in and after careful consideration I have now decided in the best interests of both myself and RUFC to put the club up for sale.

"I feel I have taken the club as far as a can and it is time for a change. The club is in excellent state with great facilities and one of the best playing surfaces in the league. 

"There are a group of people who volunteer their time and serve the club with great passion and enthusiasm. I feel the club will benefit from a fresh start and hopefully take it on to new and exciting times. I would like to personally thank all the numerous people of the Valley over the last 10 years for their commitment and continued support". 

Mr Connolly added: "I have instructed a Valley lad and a supporter of the club, Paul Nolan, to market the club on my behalf." 

Paul, of Nolan Redshaw, who used to attend the club in his formative years, said: "This is an interesting instruction and Rossendale United is a club with a long history. Andrew saved the club from extinction some years ago and is now seeking a new investor to take the club forward. The club facilities and site have excellent potential." 

Anyone wanting further information should contact Nolan Redshaw.

Club chairman Steve Hobson said: "I am quite excited by this and I believe that Andrew can sell Rossendale United as a going concern; and it will give us a chance to take the club to the next level. Andrew’s decision is testimony to the fact that everyone here has worked extremely hard to get the club on a sound footing and get a solid infrastructure. "

"My fellow Director David Hancock and I have got to grips with the finances and we have this week recruited a new commercial manager, Scott Robinson, who is already proving his worth." 

"We do not need rescuing because we are managing to keep our heads above water. We are bottom of the league at the moment and financial control has no doubt contributed to that, but that is better than being in massive debt. Anyone who will be investing will be investing in taking the club forward and not paying off huge old debts." 

"My ideal scenario would be a group of businessmen who want to improve the club both on and off the field. We are a well respected club at the heart of our community, held in high regard amongst many in non league football.

"There is room for improvement both on and off the field of play. The management team works hard to better our league standing with players who are totally committed to the club cause. Our supporters are 100% behind the team and backroom staff. 

"The crowd at Curzon the other week was about 110 and they are near the top of the league. We are getting about 100 or 120 and if we can improve then more people will come to watch. We need to keep the momentum going and drive the club to a better future."