'It's never been about the pay' - Meet the man who turned down Manchester United for Rochdale

For those associated with Rochdale, Jack Northover is a legend.

Although he may not have played any minutes at Spotland, the 70-year-old has outlasted a significant number of managers and players in his role has Dale's kit man. He first took the job on a voluntary basis, jumping at the chance to work at the club he has supported since the 1960s. Only recently has he started to earn money for his duties.

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His professional work has not gone unnoticed and has seen Northover shortlisted for Sky Bet's Real Football Number Ones campaign which is looking for the sport's unsung heroes. However, this is not the first time the 70-year-old has been recognised for his work. Around 15 years ago, Northover took part in a promotional campaign with Nike and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

The former centre-back took an instant liking to Rochdale's kit man and even went on to sponsor him for the season. Ferdinand was so impressed by Northover he attempted to poach him for United.

"We happened to make a video together for Nike and from there I did not think much else of it," he said. "I went to the office on Thursday and someone said there had been a phone call for me.

"They would not say who it was but they said they would come back to me. So about an hour later I get a phone call and they say it is Manchester United.

"They said they knew I was making a video with Rio and asked if I would prefer to move to Manchester United and my pay would obviously go up. I replied: 'It has never been about the pay, I am not being disrespectful but no, I want to stay here.' "I've only ever wanted to be here and I have had no intention of going anywhere else."

Despite seeing his