Our link with Rhodes had been around for a while before he actually signed for us. We'd been linked with a move for him in 2007-8, but it wasn't until September 2008 that we actually got the go ahead to bring him to Spotland.

Rhodes, son of the former Oldham keeper Andy Rhodes, was brought to Spotland following Jon Shaw's struggle to maintain fitness having made the progression from non league into full time football.

His introduction had an immediate impact, with a goal on his debut in an away draw at Rotherham. This was the start of a five game spell with the club which also brought a goal in an away victory at Accrington Stanley.

There was talk of an extension to his loan deal, and many supporters may in hindsight look upon this as being a mistake, but whilst he showed signs of his ability, he wasn't the big striker that was arguably required, offering a similar role to what we had in abundance in Le Fondre and Dagnall.

Later in the season, he joined Brentford in a similar loan deal to what we had, and with the Bees, he scored the goals which kickstarted their push towards being Champions. He scored seven times for the Griffin Park club before having his spell cut short through injury. One of those goals was against Dale making him a member of a unique club to have scored for and against Dale in the same season.

His form with Brentford was enough to see him named as PFA Player of the Season for League Two.