Supporters from Rochdale and Oldham Athletic will join forces this weekend at a march, organised by Dale Supporters’ Trust, in response to a legal claim against the club and trust by former investors Morton House MGT.

A crowdfunder has also been launched to help fund the legal action that the trust is facing, along with eight members of the club’s board of directors.

In August 2021 the EFL said that Morton House MGT was “refusing to cooperate with the league’s on-going investigations” into allegations that the group “acquired control of the club”.

The EFL said this meant that individuals became “relevant persons without the prior consent of the EFL in accordance with the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT).”

We have today launched our campaign to keep Dale a fan owned club by fighting the legal action against us and we need your help https://t.co/lv6jPGmioH pic.twitter.com/hwTjrpUQz2

— Dale Trust (@daletrust) January 28, 2022

Trust chair Colin Cavanah said: “Dale supporters have stood firm and resolute over the past 12 months and have responded magnificently to every obstacle that we have faced during that time.

“Unfortunately, there is one more obstacle that we must overcome, and it is likely to be a very expensive one, as we must now defend ourselves from the legal action brought about by Morton House, and we need your help to do so.

“We are seeking donations from our fellow Dale supporters, those who live within our town that our club represents with such pride, and from our fellow football supporters across the country who share the same concerns and ideals that we do.

“Our supporters have been unequivocal about their desire for the club to remain fan-owned and we have acted on their behalf to ensure that always remains the case.”

Fans together

Dale Supporters’ Trust are also inviting fans from all clubs on the fundraising walk from Spotland to Boundary Park, and say they have been contacted by Latics supporters who plan on joining them ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

“We want to see hundreds of fans from different clubs all coming together for the greater good of the game. There is no obligation on anyone to raise any money from the walk, but if you would like to, please speak to us,” said Dale Supporters’ Trust.

“Bring your friends, irrespective of what team they support, and join us under the banner of ‘Fans Together’” – Dale Supporters’ Trust

There will be a support team in attendance and Dale Supporters’ Trust ask that all attendees register in advance so that the trust can abide by legal requirements and inform the authorities of the expected numbers.

Fan-Led Review of Football Governance

As Dale Supporters’ Trust themselves point out: “Governance in football is a huge issue right now with the Tracey Crouch Fan-Led Review, and we are of the opinion that the safest future for our beloved club is that it continues to be owned and ran by supporters for the benefit of supporters and the community at large.”

The FSA would encourage supporters and fan groups to contact their MP and ask them to back all of the Fan-Led Review’s recommendations as it passes though Parliament.