In what is sure to be interpreted as an indication for the season ahead, Dale keeper Sam Russell has been handed number one in the new squad numbers, as him and James Spencer have swapped shirt numbers for the forthcoming season.

Both keepers spent time last season (along with loanee Tommy Lee) as the Dale number one, before injury dictated that the other be given the chance.

But with both keepers fit heading into the new season, for perhaps the first time Dale boss Keith Hill has a straight choice between his two keepers and it would appear that Sam Russell has been given the nod out of the two.

Russell hasn't played for Dale since February after a broken finger prematurely ended his season. However, he had done enough in his seventeen games for the club to be awarded a new contract, as Keith Hill ensured that Russell remained at the club.

Both keepers have been named as Dale Player of the Month during their time at Spotland.

Photo: Action Images

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