Double deal for Dale

Rochdale have completed a double defensive swoop with the captures of Kevin McIntyre and Joe Rafferty.

Dale boss John Coleman signs McIntyre for the second summer in succession, having recruited him on a free transfer for Accrington from Shrewsbury last close season. The 34-year-old left-sided utility player made 49 appearances for Stanley, scoring twice, and counts Tranmere, Doncaster and Macclesfield among his former clubs. Rafferty, 18, joins McIntyre in penning a one-year deal after spending time on trial at Spotland at the end of last term. Comfortable at right-back or centre-back, Rafferty is a product of Liverpool's academy system and last season captained the Reds' Under-18s side.