Rochdale sign Matty Pearson after Blackburn Rovers exit

Rochdale have signed former Blackburn Rovers defender Matty Pearson.

The 18-year-old has signed a one-year deal at Spotland after a successful trial with Dale, who were relegated from League One last season.

England Under-18 international centre-back Pearson did not make a first-team appearance at Ewood Park.

Meanwhile, manager John Coleman will assess trialists Ian Craney, Danny Johnson and Ray Putterill in a friendly against Marine on Tuesday.