Keith Hill has made his first signing of the Summer by getting Niall Canavan in on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell at the club.

Following the departure of Ollie Lancashire and Ashley Eastham, getting the defence sorted for the new season was the number one priority for Dale, and the first step has been taken with the permanent capture of Niall Canavan.

The 25 year old spent two months on loan at Dale during last season, and following his introduction, it must be noted that the defence tightened up and the results improved. He won many a plaudit from supporters as they were impressed with his old fashioned defending, and his 97th minute equaliser against Doncaster kept the season alive for that bit longer.

The former Scunny man has signed a two year deal with the club and as a left sided central defender it would suggest that Keith Hill will be lucky to maintain Jim McNulty at left back for next season.

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