127 David Frain

Position : Midfield

Played : 1988-89

Appearances : 42

Goals : 12

David was signed on a free transfer from Sheffield United. He was a late starter in the professional game afer signing for the Blades from a youth club side at 23. He had made 44 appearances scoring 5 goals.

With all due respect to Gary Jones David was the best midfield player I've seen at Spotland. He was intelligent, combative and prolific, player of the season by miles. At the end of the season he was offered the best contract ever at Spotland according to the Chairman but he decided to join Danny Bergara's squad at Stockport instead. I can't remember what fee was set by the tribunal but it wasn't enough.

David was part of the Stockport team that won the Fourth Division title in 1991 and stayed with them until 1995 when he went to Mansfield on loan before his release. Strangely enough it took him his entire Stockport career (187 appearances) to equal the goal tally he achieved in one season at Dale. He went into non-league with Stalybridge Celtic and later played for Worksop Town and Hallam FC