Michael Oliver joined the club on a free transfer from Darlington in the Summer of 2000, having turned down a deal at Feethams. However, his first season at Spotland proved largely to be a disappointment. Principally a central midfielder, Oliver found the competition for the his preferred position too strong, and appearances were limited and often out of position, which did nothing for Oliver.
However, it was in his second season where he really impressed at Spotland. He played a total of 45 out of the 46 league matches, forming an excellent central partnership with Gary Jones, and it was that pairing that was responsible for us going top of the league early in 2001-2. Even when Jones departed for Barnsley, Oliver continued to impress in the middle. Indeed, he was voted as Dale Player of the Month in January 2002.
His third season proved to be his last. He only made around 20 games for the first team in his last season, in a season hampered by injury and being out of favour. He famously incurred the wrath of the management, when he refused to be named on the bench for the game against Exeter City, which saw him kept out of the first team for a couple of months as a result.
His return to the first team, saw a much improved Michael Oliver, with him instrumental in the Cup victories against Preston and Coventry. However, an injury picked up at the start of March saw him miss the remainder of the season.
By the end when he was released by the board in May 2003, he had made over 100 appearances for the club, with eight goals along the way, with the most notable being the 93rd minute winner in the 4-3 win against Cambridge.Since leaving the club, not a lot has been heard about him. There was talk of a spell at Barrow, whilst there was other talk of playing Sunday League football in Littleboro.
|
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
