The 24-year-old joins on a season-long loan from League One side Wrexham.
Upon joining Dale, he commented:
“During the summer I heard word of it and it instantly got me excited. The way the gaffer wants to play I think will suit me down the ground.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to come and play. The club wants to go in the right direction and that was another pull for me.
“I feel like I’m comfortable on the ball and playing out from the back. I like to make big saves, come for crosses and dominate my box. I think my style of play will suit the team.
“I want to play as much as possible and get as many games as I can under my belt, and be successful here.”
Head Coach Jimmy McNulty said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Luke into the group. He is very highly thought of at Wrexham and comes with great character references.
“Luke is a good goalkeeper with good shot-stopping ability and distribution, which is why Wrexham paid a fee to sign him.
“From the off, Luke showed a real hunger and desire to make the move happen, which is really important to us.
“We’re confident he will be a great fit for the group and look forward to working with him.”
Born in County Mayo, Ireland, McNicholas began his career with local side Manulla before joining Sligo Rovers, where he signed professional terms.
Whilst with Rovers, the stopper spent time on loan at Finn Harps and then Cliftonville, where he made 32 appearances in 2021/22.
He returned to Sligo in the summer of 2022 and became a regular between the sticks, making 27 appearances in their 2023 campaign, before joining Wrexham on loan in August.
After impressing the Wrexham coaching staff during the first half of the season, which included three EFL Trophy appearances, the Welsh club made his transfer permanent in January of this year, as McNicholas penned a two-and-a-half-year deal.
He has now joined Dale for the 2024/25 campaign, pending international clearance.
Welcome, Luke!
