ROCHDALE manager Steve Parkin was upbeat after his team's unbeaten tour of Scotland last week.

And he moved one step closer to putting the final pieces in his pre-season jigsaw by signing fullback Alan Goodall from Bangor on a 12-month contract, and striker Lee McGivern, who scored the goal in the 1-0 win over Berwick Rangers, on a three-month deal.

"Leighton has done really well," said Parkin, "He's blended in well with the squad, he's a smashing young lad."

"Alan's played in most of the games at left-back and has also done really well."

Tony Gallimore is still training with the club, but a decision to his future is yet to be made. "Tony got some football under his belt last week and is doing okay," explained Parkin, "the important thing for him is he gets fit and we'll take it from there. But there's no doubt he's a quality player."

The Dale boss is now preparing for Friday night's big game against near neighbours Oldham at Spotland with some confidence.

He expects Oldham boss Brian Talbot to turn out his strongest team, but has yet to decide on his own line-up. "When you have won the games in Scotland and scored quite a few goals it's not easy to pick your strongest line-up," he added, "Sometimes, to be honest, you are not quite sure what it is at this stage."

"But we'll have a better idea after playing at Gloucester and three or four more days training. It's a game we are looking forward to. I know Oldham manager Brian Talbot really well, that's one of the reasons we got the game on."

"I've known him for many years and I'm sure he'll be bringing his strongest team. Let's hope we can get a really big crowd on to watch a good game."

With the season fast approaching Parkin can't wait to embark on the new campaign. "I'm looking forward to it. The last pre-season fortnight tends to drag on a little bit. You have the week away, you've got everyone fit, you've got a couple of games you need to play, but still we would like the season to come sooner rather than later."

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