Rochdale

Rochdale to name terminally ill 5-year-old fan as substitute

Rochdale manager Keith Hill has confirmed that five-year-old supporter Joshua McCormack has joined the club and will be a substitute in tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy clash against Hartlepool United. The youngster was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and the club have continually acted to support Joshua and his family during this difficult time.

Although McCormack won’t be well enough to attend the game himself, his shirt will be hanged in the dressing room prior to kick-off and will be placed over a seat on the subs bench at Spotland. Hill has allocated McCormack with the number 55 shirt and his name will be listed on the official team sheet.

In addition to this, the League One club donated a cheque to Joshua’s family earlier this year as a donation towards his fundraising for treatment, and he was also their mascot in August as well. Hill says it will be an ‘honour’ to have McCormack as part of his squad for tonight,

“It is a real honour to name Joshua McCormack as a substitute for tonight’s game. He has touched the hearts of everyone at Rochdale Football Club since we met him for the first time back in February. 
“No child should have to go through what Joshua is going through and we, as a club and a group of players, will continue to do whatever we can to support him and his family.   
“We hope this one small gesture can bring some light to his family during this difficult time.”
Hill, his backroom staff and players will visit McCormack the day after the Hartlepool clash at the hospice he is staying at. They shall hand over McCormack’s shirt, official teamsheet and a signed kit from all of his heroes.
Well done Rochdale!
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