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Reply | Wembley
at 22:13 8 May 2026
I suspect we haven't hit the 10k mark or the club would've been more vocal about it. Weirdly, the more that go the more others feel like they are missing out. It’s good sales…
Either way, as long as the 2,000 who sit there on a cold Tuesday night are the and enjoy their day that’s most important. The ones who have been on the ride a little more recently, getting them back in next season is number one priority. A win Sunday certainly strengthens that case.
Certainly been a great few weeks for the club and the exposure in a positive light is magical. Certainly a reality check in terms of what we have vs what we could’ve lost. |
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Reply | Scunny or Southend
at 22:02 28 Apr 2026
That was a battle tonight. Not a lot of quality on display and a poor surface which actually looked okay before kick off.
Scunthorpe will be well up for it. And I have no doubt will try and drag us into a dog fight. Can we play around them? I hope so. Our patterns of play earlier in the season were a joy to watch. If we win the midfield we stand a good chance. And of course, try to clear our lines away from dangers. Robert’s got a trade mark goal again tonight. A very similar one at our place and a carbon copy the week before from a poor clearance gave Forest Green the same goal.
Doing it the hard way, i assume we are back in training in the morning and we can now focus on setting up for the game and using the heartache as fuel.
What a crazy season it’s been. |
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Reply | WHY?
at 16:16 26 Apr 2026
Every person connected with the club needs to learn from this. A lack of composure on and off the field has cost us.
Yes, the fan encroachment played a big part. But Mani D and the team celebrated like had won the World Cup. Yes, probably one of the most important goals in their careers and our history. But, they lacked professionalism when it mattered the most. The clip of TAR dancing being streamed live while the game was in play sums it up.
We boxed for 13 rounds, and dropped our guard in the final round and took an uppercut to the chin. Game over. You can win all the other 12 rounds but it’s the result at the bell that counts.
The fans, the players and the staff probably all feel a bit embarrassed this morning. But we need to learn from it. York had their similar experience last week, and we were quick to laugh at them huddled round a phone. They had the last laugh yesterday.
Sometimes it’s these events that shape you. You don’t want to feel that again. Let’s hope the players find the fight rather than flight. Yesterday could well of poked the bear…
I back them to go again. A nice convincing win and performance on Sunday would do us the world of good! |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v York City
at 16:04 25 Apr 2026
I agree. You can look for all themes used in the world but we fluffed it. The pitch invasion allowed York to catch their breath and find some sort of composure. In that time our adrenaline players included has probably taken over and foggy brains.
Either way. It was ours to lose and has been for the last two months and we lost it. Somehow, they have to find an inner belief to go again but that will be hard. Performance wise, york were the better team. We looked better but still not convincing. Rodney needs to retire before Hendo, not fit to lace the lads boots. That pass from Hendo for the goal is unreal. How he wasn’t on that field sooner is annoying. |
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Reply | We will need 3 goals on Saturday
at 13:29 24 Apr 2026
I agree. And good interview in contrast to some of the others. We have to remember this is all new to him too, which we can easily forget (me included).
And let’s have it right, if he pulls it off tomorrow he is going to go down in the history books as one of our greatest. Stepping in the ring at one of our lowest points. I can testify I am not his biggest fan over his tenure but at the same time have massive appreciation for what he has done. We’ve gone from Liam Kelly and James Ball, to Gilmour and East. Sam Graham to Kyron Gordon and so on. He’s brought in these players and they are loved. As a fan, they are everything you want and more.
All those who fought to keep this club alive deserve success tomorrow more than anyone. It’s been a rough ride. And some of the young lads in U block and around the stands have seen some of the lowest times. How nice it feels to be talking about the opportunity ahead instead of wondering how many houses will fit on the land our home is built on.
Get your singing voices on. Up the Dale! [Post edited 24 Apr 13:30]
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Reply | We will need 3 goals on Saturday
at 15:41 23 Apr 2026
Do elaborate? Let’s all not bother turning up at the weekend then ey? Who are they doing it for? It’s entertainment - for the fans. The new owners pretty much set up that ethos did they not? Not a business, it’s a community asset. [Post edited 23 Apr 15:42]
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Reply | We will need 3 goals on Saturday
at 10:24 23 Apr 2026
It’s not though is it? Fans are equally as important and getting the fans up for it as much as the players is what a leader and manager should be doing. Head coach vs Manager conversation.
He’s got a plan. He will be in the detail and the players will be to. I think the inferiority complex is just this town in nutshell. It worked in league one in terms of punching about or weight but this is different.
I as a fan want to hear my manager tell me that we are going to win. It’s not a free hit and anything other than a win is unthinkable. Everyone is different and ultimately words mean nothing, it’s the actions that count. But they can set the scene with those words… |
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Reply | We will need 3 goals on Saturday
at 10:44 22 Apr 2026
I agree. But, 100% sure it will be the same pedestrian, recycle recycle ethos. Jim has a brand, and recognition for his brand is as important to him as results.
York will be expecting the above, because it’s all we know. So, coming out of the traps with a few tasty challenges (firm but fair) will let them know it’s on and it’s going to be hard.
Interesting York aren a fan of the ball into the box. Ironically neither are we. Ebanks is the key this weekend. He needs to step up and show his experience over Stones. He got bullied last time out and no doubt that will be on his mind.
Moving the ball and off the ball movement is imperative. One reason for Mani D not being in the goals as much is the service hasn’t been there and his movement has been far more static (carrying a knock some say?). One thing Hendo gives is intelligent movement, he just appears everywhere. And he’s our version of Ollie Pearce.
I pray we have practice and confirmed who would take a penalty if we are fortunate enough to get one too. We’ve been woeful at them.
We can do it. Hopefully Done and Ginger Jase can rev them up too. |
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Reply | We will need 3 goals on Saturday
at 17:18 21 Apr 2026
McNulty is lining himself for an excuse already with the whole ‘David and Goliath’ headline. He’s been well backed and had ample time to build this team. I suspect it’s some sort of deflection tactic but it’s not Rochdale in League One anymore up against your Southampton's etc. It’s York. And on the day, it’s about 11 men plus ‘finishers’ giving their all to become heroes after investing 9 months of effort, long trips, physically and mentally challenging season. I feel a bit uncomfortable with the approach but accustomed to it at the same time.
I think our form coming into it is a worry but being sensible, this is a far better and arguably easier outcome then the play off route. We are at home, a single football match away from back to the place we belong. These showdowns are surely what players want? Big crowds, big stakes, tactical nouse. York should be fearing coming, it needs to be hostile, high intensity and a bit chaotic. It would suit us. If we try the usual approach I fear it will be a missed opportunity. We need to do something slightly different on Saturday because this is now ‘play off football’. Completely different mindset and skill set. Fortune favours the brave.
York as Maynard alluded to are hurting from last season. And so are we. We felt that hurt twice over. If that isn’t fuel I don’t know what is.
Exciting prospect. Let’s hope we turn up! [Post edited 21 Apr 17:20]
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Reply | Refwatch - Hartlepool United v Rochdale
at 18:08 6 Apr 2026
I agree. The depressing aspect is that you just sit and wait for York to score. Knowing damn well they are peppering the opposition week after week. They are going for it and they deserve it. Attack is the best form of defence always has been and always will be. I think they have had more shots today than we have had in a month and that’s without one of their strikers.
Our lack of shooting is actually coached, it can’t not be? It’s the aim of the game! |
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Reply | Refwatch - Hartlepool United v Rochdale
at 17:32 6 Apr 2026
The opportunity for plan B has slipped when the window closed. Cian Hayes type player is exactly what this team needs. Distinct lack of pace and skill at the moment which sometimes it’s that individual brilliance which can just unlock a result. We don’t even look to counter attack because we don’t have the pace to carry the ball.
Absolutely agree the team has played a way all season and it’s been mainly down the channels. It’s this area where it’s gone wrong which has seen us try go down the middle more and Rodney is on his holidays and Mani is having a go at mimicking Mitchell.
Perry isn’t Beckwith and Gordon’s form has dropped without TAR. I think we will find a rhythm again but run out of games in doing so. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Hartlepool United v Rochdale
at 17:23 6 Apr 2026
It’s over-coached nonsense at this stage. We should be going out to win and leave it all out on the pitch. They aren’t doing that, they aren’t even getting off the coach.
If we had a 0-0 after misses a few chances and going for it then you tilt your hat. We have literally turned up today with zero intent to win that game. Very very odd.
It’s sad really because they have got this far, and absolutely fell off a cliff when it matters most. Sutton kept the dream alive but after today I think if we are still in with a chance come the final game it’s a miracle.
To be honest, sort of less bothered about it now and more bothered about us actually putting in a couple of decent performances to encourage us that we might hit a 7 out of 10 performance before the season is out.
It’s the hope that kills you but we are playing like this is actually our level. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Morecambe
at 21:34 3 Apr 2026
I did see this. It’s not something we have seen much of this season, berating each other isn’t good.
Hannant seems a bit of a volatile character too. The main reason he’s here after upsetting the Oldham lot. I think with all these new signings, there’s probably been a bit too much pressure on them to find their feet and find them fast. JK Gordon was getting some stick in and around me today… chasing a game with high stakes on his home debut must be a nightmare scenario. Everything you do is under the magnifier as me try to scramble something from the game. He was over utilised merely because Moss is not an outlet at all down the other side.
I am absolutely craving a clean sheet on Monday. Not quite at the point of ‘going back to basics’ but we are close. Every attack against us feels like the end result is a goal at the moment. Whatmuff is being tested a lot more in recent months and he certainly has ability but as feared at the beginning of the season also has a lot to learn. Which is why he is here. But again, the margin for error at the moment is so fine, it’s 110% concentration and we seem to be lapsing. |
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Reply | The Run in
at 22:15 31 Mar 2026
Wednesday morning we could see a corner flag statement. Which means we could see Hartlepool have a new manager bounce this weekend.
Alternatively, he’s got a chance to put it right. Not sure which is preferable?! [Post edited 31 Mar 22:16]
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Thread | Pitch - Easter Weekend
at 19:15 30 Mar 2026
I’ve just watched the highlights from the egg chasers on Sunday. They played their game after the monsoon which has certainly tested the drains resilience after their bedding in period.
I feel sorry for the ground staff. After barely seeing a ray of sunshine and uncopious amounts of rain the new turf has took a hammering. I don’t think it’s going to be in great condition come Friday which may be a bit of a leveller. There’s a patch right down the centre that appears to be more of a brown colour than green. It’s crying for some sunshine (as we all are).
I don’t know the average wage for a groundsman these days but Rochdale must be one of the better payers because they certainly have to earn their crust! What a relief it must be for them knowing their efforts pre-match now are not in vein.
Hoping we can turn the screw on Friday. Hopefully 4,000 plus crowd and a performance to go with it. They need to hand out pace makers on the way in after recent weeks!
[Post edited 30 Mar 19:17]
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Reply | Refwatch - Scunthorpe United v Rochdale
at 08:26 26 Mar 2026
Too much talk about York on the last game. Lots of football between now and then.
But, at the same time. We show them far too much respect. The same York that has recently been well beaten by Boreham Wood and Gateshead. So I won’t be convinced we aren’t capable of beating them. The only factor in that will be how we turn up and more over, if it is for example that we only needed a point the likely hood is we will set up to play for a point. That’s the worry because we all know that if defending for 100 minutes is our game plan then it will be an awful watch.
I predict a loss to Hartlepool and two draws between now and then. It could well be a nothing game by that point. Just hoping the pressure on York sees similar results for them over coming weeks.
Has anybody got any idea when Gilmore and TAR are back in the fold? Also what would we do if EBL gets injured. Gordon at CB?
Hoping Beckwith is close too, feel like he may well be close and come out as a surprise. [Post edited 26 Mar 8:28]
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Reply | Refwatch - Scunthorpe United v Rochdale
at 21:50 25 Mar 2026
Last seasons Rochdale has reared its head at the wrong time. Nerves are to blame which in turn are seeing us make odd decisions that are starting to cost us.
Either way, I would’ve took a point before the game. Tough place to go on a Tuesday night with high stakes.
More twists and turns to come it seems like whenever we have chance to take the heart rate down a little we seem to not take the opportunity. That’s the Dale way though of course.
Excellent following. And actual support unlike the sausages on X who have no appreciation for the effort that’s gone in top down bottom up to get to this point. To be in the hat like we are at this stage was unthinkable in August. Get behind them, show some class. They will be feeling every single bit of pressure. I highly doubt many in this team have achieved much success in their careers or chased a title. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Halifax Town v Rochdale
at 22:55 24 Feb 2026
I agree, we lost all shape and composure. It was erratic and we never do well in them moments. Some of our decisions and clearances/passing were very National League.
The best way to get at Dale is to throw balls into the box, the writing was on the wall.
Whatmuff maybe could’ve done better with the first too but I would have to see it back.
3 points on Saturday would calm the nerves. But if we drop points again and York create a gap I will have to stay off social media. [Post edited 24 Feb 22:58]
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Reply | Refwatch - Halifax Town v Rochdale
at 22:43 24 Feb 2026
I think Jim is overcomplicating the game. He’s got a plan pre game and he is just sticking to it despite the circumstances.
A quick glance at York and Ollie Pearce played the full game and stones subbed on 84th minute. They are going out to win, and when we say win, their mentality is to blow team away. There scorelines are reflective of that.
In summary, Jim is faffing too much. Over thinking too much. Too many ‘hypothetical’ theories such as players getting injured if they are over exposed. Simply put, get the points on the board and if that happens you address. You can plan for all the scenarios in the world, he’s the type who takes his coat to Spain just in case it gets chilly at night. Over cautious and costing us.
That said, he’s put us in this position along with the players. It’s up to them now… maybe they will respond better chasing rather than being chased?
Stay in touching distance and who knows what can happen. But for me, yorks mentality will take them all the way. They back themselves and are going for the throat of anything in their way. Tonight 24/25 Dale turned up. Too nice and happy to share. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Yeovil Town v Rochdale
at 21:48 14 Feb 2026
The ‘meltdown’ is a consequence of our own succcess and ability I guess. I think people know this team has what it takes. It’s easy to say play your best 11 but on the other hand, we have blustered the squad for a reason so I fully expect rotation. As you say, great when it goes to plan. Exaggerated when it doesn’t.
Jim said a little while back there’s a plan in place for each man and the minutes they get. He’s just sticking to it. In some respects, I applaud that. There’s a plan, with science and strong leaders stick to their plan and believe it will work. We nick that game today and we all move on and it was a good rest and credit where it’s due to Jim. It’s the fine margins that are making every decision or marginal ‘error’ more amplified because of the 1 up saga. As fans we are going through a whirlwind of emotion by the week. I am sure the players, their families and the staff at the club are all feeling it too. I can’t really say I am enjoying it either, I find it quite stressful but that’s just because I am desperate to see us back in the football league where we belong. But what I have enjoyed is the team just churning the cogs week in week out. It takes some doing over 8 or 9 months, it’s relentless.
The pressure is on York. They are handling it well but they have some PTSD from last year and the Uggla chap glaring at them. I think if they lose a game they have the ability to crumble more than we do. They have 7 thousand expectant fans, a section of which seem quite obnoxious, and a very expectant set of owners. Meanwhile, we have a set of fans that are uncomfortable without our underdog title and 2 years ago on the cusp of watching St Clements on our Saturday afternoon while the Spotland corrodes away. We are lucky to be where we are, I just hope we have what it takes to keep the heat on the top spot, even if it goes to the last kick of the game on 25th April, that is some achievement across 46 games. |
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