x

Its a Striker Merry Go Round?

Mackail-Smith to Leeds...Paynter now off to Donny...McCormack waits on new deal.

It was a day when strikers dominated the rumour mill, with Sky Sports News linking Craig Mackail-Smith with an immenient move to Elland Road.

Mackail-Smith is believed to be on Neil Warnock's radar and Sky think he is likely to be Leeds major signing of the summer. He endured a disappointing 2011/12 at Brighton following a £2.5m move to the south coast from Peterborough, but seemed to have the knack of scoring against us with three of his nine strikes against the whites!

Brighton are willing to cut their losses on their record signing, however a proposed player/cash swop involving Ross McCormack seems unlikely. McCormack today spoke of ideally wanting to stay in Leeds because his family were settled in the city and hopeful of getting a new deal out of the club.

It is anticipated the player will discuss new terms over the next couple of days.

Billy Paynter meanwhile has gone on trial at Doncaster, just days after appearing to be on the verge of a move to Championship rivals Blackpool.

It is rumoured Ian Holloway made a quick decision on poor Billy, thus cooling his interest and enabling him to head to the Keepmoat for what will hopefully be a successful trial.

Failing that, Notts County are rumoured to be interested in Paynter. The Magpies tried to take him on-loan at the end of last season unsuccessfully.

What to read next:

Rochdale v Brackley Town - Game Off
Rochdale's home game, at Accrington, against Brackley Town has been called off.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Brackley Town
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Enterprise National League fixture against Brackley Town.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Brackley Town
Dale’s ‘home’ game against Brackley Town at Accrington Stanley on Saturday will be refereed by JAMES BANCROFT.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Hartlepool United
Dale’s final game of 2025 against Hartlepool United at Accrington on Tuesday night will be refereed by WILL DAVIS.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Tuesday’s Enterprise National League fixture against Hartlepool United.
Refwatch - Morecambe v Rochdale
Dale’s trip to Morecambe on Boxing Day will be refereed by AARON JACKSON.
Refwatch - Altrincham v Rochdale
Dale’s fifth meeting with Altrincham in 2025 on Friday night will be refereed by PETER WRIGHT.
Refwatch - Leamington v Rochdale (FA Trophy)
Dale’s FA Trophy third round tie at Leamington on Saturday will be refereed by NIALL SMITH.
Supporter Coaches For Accrington Home Games
Our friends at Twisted Mule and Mill About are looking to provide supporter coaches for the two home games being played at Accrington Stanley while our pitch is being reconstructed.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Southend United
Dale’s rearranged game at home to Southend United on Saturday will be refereed by ANDREW HUMPHRIES.