Dale duo pen deals

Rochdale have secured the services of Nathan Stanton and Gary Jones as they begin to make plans beyond this season.

The influential duo were both out of contract in the summer and Rochdale have moved quickly to ensure they are not tempted by offers from elsewhere.

Long-serving midfielder Jones has signed a contract that binds him to Spotland until 2009, while Stanton, who joined the club in the summer, has penned a contract that will keep him in the North West until the summer of 2008.

Rochdale boss Keith Hill has thanked his board for ensuring he will be able to keep his squad intact for next season.

"We are looking to build the squad for next season and we are going in the right direction," Hill told the club's official website.

"What we don't want is a flat, shallow squad at the end of the season and we have had the full backing of the board who are giving us the ammunition.

"It's fair play to them and it shows the board trust us with the job we are doing."