In our last update before the Play Off final, we have enlisted Scrutator from the The Voice of Spotland for the final words.

There was a ground.

It had holes in the roof. It had crumbling terraces. It received poor reports from those who visited.

There was a mission. To rebuild that ground. To breathe new life into a place which is immortal.

Above all there was a hope that one day Rochdale would play in that ground.

On Monday we will.

On Monday a new page will be written in the book of Rochdale AFC. It might be a sob story, but it might equally be a glorious tome glorifying the season we have enjoyed.

There are people in this town (many sadly departed) who gave their undying love for RAFC. This may have filled a gap in their lives, but it also provided the oxygen in their blood. There is no other ‘cause’ greater than RAFC in this town.

The past week might just prove that.

RAFC is something our town has left to cling onto. This is our Dale. Our club who we all love is giving our town massive kudos. And the town is responding.

Most of us have travelled through the history of our club. Our manager says he doesn’t like history. For the record we don’t either!

We want this set of players to go to that ground that was rebuilt for us and to demonstrate to the country that our club is the best club in the world. 16,000 townsfolk will be there to say, “I was there” so the players need to respond.

The players are paid employees if we’re honest. Thousands come and go, but this set have the chance to get their names set in stone. This set might be getting phone calls in 30 years time for a re-union!

But, only if they win at that ground.

And the additional fans? What of them? They will watch our 11 gladiators take to the pitch on that ground and will base their opinion on a Rundle cross! Such is the interest!

But these players know this. There is a Centenary destiny afoot, and a squad of players who want to be able to punch the air in that ground.

They have a manager who will prepare them to play without fear, and to play for a win.

And if they do win (which they better bloody had!) then they will be up there with Cyril Smith,. John Bright, Lisa Stansfield, Gracie Fields, and so on!

These lads could make that ground proud.

Photo: Action Images

Rochdale Polls