DALE are turning their attention to the youth ranks in a bid to produce home-grown talent.

The club have announced they will employ a full-time youth director - a qualified coach who will be in charge of players aged eight to 18.

Director Ian Stott, who is in charge of the youth policy at Spotland, said: "It will be a hands-on position which will include the very minimum of administration and paperwork."

"We are looking for someone who has a track record in soccer and who has also qualified for a UEFA A coaching badge."

"This is a very important role within the club and I am hoping to find one or two well-known names among the applications."

He added: "We can't afford to lash out big fees on new players, so it is essential we find and develop our own future first-team players."

• WIGAN Athletic youngster Paul Mitchell is the latest to be linked with Steve Parkin's Rochdale squad.

The 22-year-old utility player, born in Tameside, came through the ranks at the JJB Stadium, making 39 first-team appearances.

Parkin is still in Portugal, where he watched England qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2004 with victory in their final group match against Croatia on Monday night.

He returns next Monday and is expected to confirm further signings before the squad return for pre-season training on 1 July.

• LEO Bertos has spoken of his relief at agreeing a 12-month extension to his Dale contract.

The young midfielder enjoyed a decent debut season after signing for Alan Buckley last summer and is looking forward to improving his form when the new campaign kicks off in August.

"I'm very relieved to have signed a new deal and it's one I've been eager to sign too," Bertos told the club's official website.

"My main concern, especially with so many players out of work, was to get a new deal. I'm just thankful Rochdale wanted to keep me on and I've managed to put pen to paper."

• DALE fans will know whether it's Orient in October or Boston on Boxing Day when the Football League releases the new fixtures on Thursday.

The season starts on Saturday 7 August and finishes on 7 May. The Third Division play-off final takes place at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Monday 30 May.

The fixtures will be out at 10am on Thursday. For all the latest on how the season will pan out, check out the Observer website at www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk and follow the Dale links.

Tweet