Rochdale have signed defender Kyron Gordon following the expiration of his contract at fellow National League side AFC Fylde as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website. 

The central defender, who can also play at right back, has signed for Dale, despite being heavily linked to Oldham across social media since Fylde confirmed his departure on Wednesday this week.

Gordon began his career in the Sheffield United academy where he would make his way through the youth teams, eventually making it to the first team. He managed to make 10 appearances in the Championship for the Blades.

During this spell, Gordon went on loan to Boston Utd and Boreham Wood, where he got a taste of Non-league football. During Gordon’s spell at Sheffield United, he struggled with injuries quite frequently, which led to the defender’s departure in the summer upon the expiry of his contract.

This season, Gordon signed for National League newbies Fylde in September on a deal until January. He went on to make seven appearances for the club whilst they fought for survival in the division. However, he opted to leave the club after his contract expired and has now signed for Rochdale.

Dale currently sit 10th in the league all while the club are on a paper thin budget with a very small, injury stricken squad. Manager and former player Jim McNulty has done an impressive job so far and has called upon the free signing of Gordon to strengthen his backline following the news that star defender George Nevett will be out injured for eight weeks.

Upon confirmation of the transfer via the clubs website, manager Jim Mcnulty has stated…

“Kyron is a good player that we have been aware of for some time,”

“He’s a bit of a hybrid full-back/centre-back. We believe we’ve needed some help in that area of the squad, and we think he can certainly help us.”

“All the references I’ve had from people in the game are that he’s a good pro, he’s a winner and he plays from the right place, which is heart. So, he’s a good addition to the group in that regard as well.”

Writer’s view

Given the circumstances at Rochdale with their squad, Gordon is a perfect addition in my honest opinion. His versatility will be crucial going forward for the club.

The speculation online made it seem certain he was Oldham bound, so for Dale to manage to pick him up despite this makes it an even better deal. A great move for all parties involved.