Rival South Wales clubs Swansea City and Newport County had showed interest in signing Dwyer, although Durban did not inform him of their interest. Despite dropping two divisions to sign for Rochdale, Dwyer actually earned a higher salary from his new side than he had previously been receiving. Cardiff allowed Dwyer to train with the club's youth team during the week before travelling north to Rochdale every Friday in preparation for the club's weekend match. He formed a defensive partnership with Joe Cooke on his arrival and would stay in a room at a local pub after each match before returning to Cardiff. Rochdale were placed in the relegation zone when Dwyer arrived but the club's form gradually improved and he scored his first goal for the club with the winner during a victory over fellow relegation candidates Southend United. Rochdale eventually finished in 17th position and offered Dwyer a one-year contract, but he chose to reject the offer and retired from football.