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Reply | Th'Ashes Down Under
at 10:04 22 Nov 2025
Pitch has been lively, but not a minefield. Good bowling and poor shot selection, but today Head has just taken the opportunity where no England batsmen did. A good decision from the Aussies to open with him.
Now, what can England learn from this for the second Test? |
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Reply | No Comebacks 2025
at 15:19 18 Nov 2025
We went behind to Altrincham. [Post edited 18 Nov 15:19]
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Reply | Rochdale v Scunthorpe on Tuesday
at 16:26 4 Nov 2025
Another issue created by this postponement is that the weekend’s rest has now become a hindrance, leaving the squad inactive until this coming Saturday. I’d imagine a bounce game of some sort will need to be arranged to restore match sharpness ahead of what promises to be a difficult away fixture.
The psychological impact of this enforced break shouldn’t be underestimated either, especially as the players watch their hard-earned place at the top of the table slip away, however temporarily. |
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Reply | Rochdale v Scunthorpe on Tuesday
at 14:29 3 Nov 2025
I couldn’t agree more. This perfectly captures where I’m at with it too. I completely appreciate there were a number of factors behind why the pitch wasn’t addressed in the summer - the potential move of stadiums being an obvious one - and I’m sure those discussions came with their own complexities.
But whatever the mitigation, the unfortunate reality is that it’s now going to cost us momentum at a crucial point in the season. Nothing will change over the winter, and what a real shame it would be if “what might have been” ultimately comes down to the pitch itself, rather than what happens on it. |
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Reply | FA Cup 4th Q- York City (H) 11th Oct -Match Thread
at 09:42 12 Oct 2025
I watched the FGR game last week and it is absolutely fair to say that's what we did to them - in the second half, especially. I believe the kids call it "shithousery". It frustrated them, stopped them playing, and won us the game, no question. |
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Reply | F.A. Cup 4th Q round.
at 16:04 29 Sep 2025
We played them in the League Cup in the 90s - beat them first leg and got battered in extra time in the second leg. They went on to draw Man United in the next round...
We played and beat them two seasons prior in the same competition too. [Post edited 29 Sep 16:08]
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Reply | Callum Higginbothham
at 23:13 3 Sep 2025
Not quite a late career as he has played in Scotland (bar a few forays away) for 15 years now. |
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Reply | Corey Edwards Joins County On Loan
at 07:38 3 Sep 2025
I hope he does too but also that we as a club are suitably compensated for his development either now or further down the line.
Another reason we need to get out of the National League sooner rather than later. |
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Reply | BRACKLEY TOWN
at 13:42 23 Aug 2025
I watched their highlights versus Yeovil and they surprised me in that they went for it. Their no.10 in particular looked very handy.
They may well not be the low-block team many would expect of a lesser resourced, newly promoted team. |
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Reply | GATESHEAD
at 08:18 21 Aug 2025
It did appear that Barlow may have picked up a slight knock as well - hopefully nothing of serious concern for either player.
Last night’s performance was exceptional and, for me, the most gratifying aspect was the display from the midfield duo, who dictated proceedings with authority throughout the full 90 minutes. In contrast to the previous two league fixtures, where we were perhaps a little sluggish in the opening phases, the intensity and control in the centre of the park were evident from the outset this time, even when having the ball played into them from the back (something that gave folk kittens last season).
Tactically, we’re not straying too far from the blueprint of last season. The key difference lies in the enhanced quality of personnel within the squad, which is allowing us to execute those familiar patterns with greater precision and consistency.
The patient build-up play, including lateral and backward passing, definitely remains a feature of our style - something I don’t mind in the slightest when it serves to dictate the tempo and probe for openings. Almost every goal kick in the second half was played short, for example. With the improved calibre of players, particularly in the No.9 role, we’re now far better equipped to capitalise on those moments when they arise.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Brackley could represent our first real test against a side likely to adopt a more defensive, perhaps even “park the bus” approach - though I hope that doesn’t unfairly undersell them. It will be intriguing to see how we go about unlocking that kind of opposition.
Encouraging signs all round - here’s hoping the momentum continues. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Burnley U21 - National League Cup
at 22:01 14 Aug 2025
Firstly, we have won our first two games and I’m in optimistic mood. Just want to say that. It may change if results do, but, right now, things feel good.
Second, I’m surprised at the emphasis being placed on how the two new coaches were appointed, given that McNulty addressed this directly in his interview. He made it clear that he anticipated Gibbins’ departure and had a plan in place — that’s proactive, responsible management. Whether or not every detail was run past the board isn’t really the point. Managers are expected to lead, make key appointments, and shape the environment — it’s part of the job. Full public transparency on internal staffing processes isn’t standard practice, nor is it necessary in my view.
He explicitly said: “And, like others in other positions within my technical staff, I think about solutions and potential if these things should ever arise, and I knew what I wanted this summer.”
That’s not someone reacting on the fly. That’s a manager with a plan.
He also said: “What mattered to me was their understanding – of us, of Rochdale, of what it means to play for this club.”
“I felt it was the right time to bring that alternative perspective in.”
“I thought it was good for us, and I’m really pleased with them both.”
This is clearly his decision, his strategy, and his rationale. He repeatedly uses “I” and “me” — no sign of anyone being imposed on him, no evidence of panic appointments.
The quotes make it clear: these were his decisions, aligned with his thinking, for the benefit of the club.
On the Cardiff comment, McNulty referring to them as a "Premier League club in stature" may have been enthusiastic language, but it’s pretty clear what he meant. He was talking about the scale and quality of their infrastructure.
Cardiff’s facilities and resources are well above the level they’re currently playing at. From a professional point of view, it’s understandable why someone would make that move, and McNulty was simply acknowledging that. It wasn’t a case of confusing their league status — it was a comment on the scale of the club off the pitch.
Roll on Saturday. |
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Reply | Where’s the bloke?
at 09:35 23 Jul 2025
I watched the game and really enjoyed it. If we’re drawing comparisons to Dale, it was actually England that reminded me most of our play last season - lots of recycling possession, shifting the ball wide around the edge of the opposition box, then switching flanks in search of an opening, only to be met by a well-drilled defence. But, just like us at times last season, their persistence eventually paid off. I’m hoping with the new signings, it’ll pay off more often this season. |
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