Stephen Dooley signs new deal with Rochdale

Former Derry City and Cork City winger Stephen Dooley has signed a new contract extension at English League One side Rochdale A.F.C. He is now set to stay at the Crown Oil Arena until the summer of 2021.

Dooley, 28, has signed a new one year extension with Rochdale after a successful first eighteen months with the club.

He made the move to England in 2018 after having spells with Derry City, Cork City and Northern Irish side Coleraine.  

Dooley, who has been a regular starter for the league one club and has made 55 appearances for the Dale to date, scoring three goals.

The Antrim man described the contract extension as a “no brainer” and has “really enjoyed my two years here so far.

“I like it here. I like the way we play, I like the players, it’s a good area and everyone at Rochdale has been good to me.

“When I was offered the chance to re-sign, it was a no brainer”.

Rochdale, who are currently 19^th in League One, will be hoping for Dooley to aid their attempts to avoid relegation.

“I feel like I’m back to full fitness now and I feel good. Hopefully I can kick on and get some more games in the run-in to the end of the season and hopefully I can do well” said the winger.

Dooley finished by stating that he is “really appreciative” of Rochdale manager Brian Barry-Murphy and his “helpful” staff. He emphasized “everyone is in it together, it has been a good year and there is a good team unity”.