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Thread | Podcast and THAT email
at 08:08 23 Jun 2026
Since the recent broadcast of the Podcast interview with Cameron, there have been numerous requests received about the content of Mark Hodkinson's (journalist, author, lifelong Dale fan) email that piqued Sir Peter's interest in the club.
In respecting Mark’s modesty and privacy, I have asked him several times if I could share the email on social media that he had shared with me at the time, which we both believe to be the one referenced by Cameron.
I am delighted to advise that Mark has been persuaded, and it is reproduced below in all its’ seductive glory.
Dear Peter,
Really glad that you received the copy of my latest book. I hope you enjoy it, Deeplish to Littleborough.
I’m actually emailing you about another matter. You’re probably not aware, but I am a lifelong fan of Rochdale AFC. I have written several books about the club and, a few seasons ago, spent a year contributing a weekly column to The Times about matters at Spotland.
I don’t know whether you are interested in football or not, but the club has been almost solely a source of pride for the beleaguered town over many years.
Sadly, I’m sure you’ve heard that the club, through poor management, is in a financial mess right now. The impact of it folding would be devastating.
You can probably guess what’s coming!
I think any financial help you could proffer would be a wonderful gesture.
It rains. It’s cold. The football is patchy. The pies (and peas) can be a bit ropey, but when Dale are playing well and winning (even if not often enough) it’s a magical place to be, and folks remember to forget all the scruffiness and struggle and slog of life in a Northern town.
It’s also a place of proper, unforced ‘inclusivity and diversity’. If you know the words to ‘Up the Dale, down the ale’, you’re in the gang, no matter what your bloody colour, creed, gender or sexual preference!
Maybe you’ve already have been contacted by club officials but should you wish to know the genuine inside track on this wonderful, special football club, I’m your man.
Up the Dale
Mark
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Reply | Bowlee Training Facility
at 22:05 14 Jun 2026
It is heavily funded by the Ogden family to make away travel affordable. There are fans who still abuse the law in terms of alcohol, smoking, vaping, but such behaviour appears to be rare and dealt with quickly and decisively.
The club shop and media have been brilliant in promoting coach travel. |
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Reply | Bowlee Training Facility
at 18:59 14 Jun 2026
The Golden Share issue a cornerstone of regulatorty reforms and is intended to be awarded to a recognised supporters trust (some.clubs have more than one trust).
Now the independent football regulator is in place I would expect to see some movement.
However, at Rochdale, and according to the last published membership figure of 713 on the Trust website, there is clearly a representative issue. That figure equivalent to 28% of season ticket holders.
The next CAB meeting is 10th August, at which the issue can be raised, although there may be a fans forum ahead of that.
I would also add that everything the owners have said they will do, they have done. |
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Reply | Bowlee Training Facility
at 18:03 11 Jun 2026
Its simply brilliant. So grateful.
The Ratcliffe will look special too. |
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Reply | Dave Challinor
at 12:15 7 Jun 2026
The emotions of pride and happiness he expressed in the Stockport video says otherwise to me. |
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Reply | He has gone
at 20:37 5 Jun 2026
Actually, it does not make me happy. I am really sorry to see him leave us. He had the potential to be on an upward trajectory career wise under incredible owners who have clearly backed him and continue to invest heavily in the infrastructure of the club and town.
This was his first job in management. We may undoubtedly see things differently with his departure. I see the problems his departure will cause.
He's chosen to go.
For whatever reason.
But, pride and happiness. |
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Reply | He has gone
at 20:13 5 Jun 2026
How do you know I haven't? Because I have.
How do you know Jim's terms?
He's gone. He got my appreciation at Wembley and the Town Hall. |
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Reply | He has gone
at 20:01 5 Jun 2026
Emotion - pride and happiness. Moreso than a couple of weeks ago, Jim?
12 months as a player there.
He's gone, will probably dismantle the infrastructure at Dale. |
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Reply | 5 years ago today
at 19:39 1 Jun 2026
There's an email somewhere.
Jones, Upton and Bottomley were named in the petition alongside Southall as being denied a share purchase. |
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Reply | 5 years ago today
at 19:10 1 Jun 2026
Southall. What a tvvat.
Who else tried to buy shares when he did? |
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Reply | 5 years ago today
at 18:49 1 Jun 2026
Indeed, although the fall out also meant we may have had no club too.
How shareholders contacts ended up in the hands of Morton House, we'll never know. |
| | judd
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