[themaclad]

Brentford have signed midfielder Ethan Brierley from Rochdale for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal, with the option of a further year.

The 19-year-old came through Dale's academy, making 45 senior appearances during his time at the club.

He will now join Brentford's B team in order to continue his development, the Bees said following his signing.

"He played for a side that have had a difficult season, but he was able to flourish," boss Neil McFarlane said.

"We're hugely excited to play a role in the next stage of his development. He is an all-round midfielder who will handle the ball and he's somebody we will look to improve, as we do with all of the players who step foot in the building."

Brierley made 25 league appearances for Rochdale in 2022-23, during a season when the club were relegated from the English Football League to the National League.

[themaclad]

Rochdale head groundsman Joshua Haigh has been charged with alleged improper conduct related to race or colour by the Football Association.

The breach of FA rule E3 was allegedly made towards a broadcaster's presenter following Rochdale's League Two match against Stockport County in February.

It is also alleged Haigh's conduct constitutes an aggravated breach of the FA's rule because of the race element.

In a statement Rochdale confirmed Haigh will contest the charge.

The club said Haigh, who has until 23 June to respond, would request a personal hearing.

Rochdale added they had offered "full support" to their employee having "reviewed the evidence available" and were "fully complying" with the process.

[themaclad]

Rochdale have signed former Bradford City and Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton on a one-year deal.

The 34-year-old came through Manchester City's academy and later joined Leeds United in 2010 after a loan spell.

He went on to join Huddersfield and has also had spells with Boro, Birmingham and Doncaster before signing for the Bantams where he reached last season's League Two play-off semi-finals.

"I grew up locally, so I know who Rochdale are as a club," he said.

Clayton continued: "It wasn't a case of selling the club, more of selling the aims and ambitions for the group.

"Just by talking to the gaffer you can tell he's going to give it everything to try and achieve what he wants to achieve. What he wants from a midfielder suits me and hopefully we can have a good season together."

[themaclad]

Rochdale have released Kairo Mitchell after the striker's contract with the club expired.

Mitchell scored 14 goals in 45 National League appearances this season, including as a sub in the 4-3 play-off semi-final defeat to Southend on 15 May.

The 27-year-old, who spent two years with the Dale, is one of five out-of-contract players leaving the Spotland Stadium.

Defender Kyle Ferguson, midfielders Charlie Weston and Courtney Senior and back-up goalkeeper Brad Kelly have also departed, while centre-back Liam Hogan is in negotiations over a fresh contract.

Nine-goal striker Ian Henderson has signed a new deal to stay, as have wide man Aidan Barlow and 17-year-old midfielder Corey Edwards.

Loanees Jay Bird, Leon Ayinde, Jili Buyabu, Sam Waller, Jack Kingdon, Killian Barrett and Jid Okeke have all returned to their parent clubs.

"We would like to place on record our thanks to those players leaving the club and wish them all the best for the future," Rochdale said on their club website, external.