Sneak preview of Southend progamme

Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s League Two game against Southend United.

The programme has been maintained at 76 pages this season, but with a host of new features to keep you entertained before, during and after the match.

We start with a front cover image of Dale defender Michael Rose, who opened his scoring account for the club with a fine goal at Bristol Rovers last Saturday.

Manager Keith Hill looks back at Tuesday’s draw with Gillingham, while Scrutator discusses one area of improvement seen in the team since Hilly returned to the club.

A new style quiz has been compiled to test the grey matter, while Matt Smith’s EXtra Time column updates readers on the recent exploits of some former Dale players.

We have action photos from the games against Northampton and Torquay, while Travellers Tales reports on the trip to Barnet.

Columnist Dean Smith tells us why he is desperate for Dale to have a good cup run and we have the first part of an article looking at all the Jones who have appeared for the club.

Visitors Southend United get seven pages of coverage, which includes a look back at a game in which some fans brought their bedsheets to Spotland!

All this and much, much more will be in Saturday’s The Voice of Spotland, on sale in the Club Shop and around the ground, priced £3.00.

What to read next:

The fate today’s Swansea footballers would never have to endure
Swansea City bring this season to a close on Saturday with a home game against Millwall. However, what about those bygone days when footballers had no choice but to go down the pit after their career ended, or open a toy shop, pub or retrain ? That thought would petrify todays modern footballer.

Jamal Lowe : Still to be contacted regards his future at Swansea, Langstaff update
We have been told by numerous Swansea fans of a chance meeting in a service station between Jamal Lowe and those returning from Norwich yesterday. Nothing in that or indeed the conversation they had yesterday. Indeed there has to be some interpretation from what we know already on Jamal Lowe.

Brave Swans in memorable game at Carrow Road
It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional.

Norwich City 2 - 2 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.

TEAM NEWS : Norwich City v Swansea City
The Swans are on the Norfolk Broads, punting and boating their way to the end of the season. Hopefully the city of Norwich is obliging.

Swansea City : Jack Army travel over 1,000 miles for two games in succession
Swansea City have set out on their second long distance away trip in two weekends, this time to Norwich for todays clash between the Swans and Canaries (3pm) Over the last ten meetings between the clubs Swansea City have won five times, Norwich the same.

Cardiff City fan sends tragedy tweet directed at dead Swansea City fan Terry Coles
As a result of the news reported by Sky on Wednesday that five military horses had escaped and ran through central London, a Cardiff City follower thought it wise to relate the incident to the death of Swansea fan Terry Coles, 42.

Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option
Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.

Gwyn’s Eye View : Norwich City v Swansea City ‘The officials’
Thanks to Gwyn we have a thorough assessment of this weeks officials who will take charge at Carrow Road this Saturday at 3pm. Norwich City will be keen to get the points to guarantee their play off slot, and Saturday is their first go.

Sam Parker hasn’t turned down a new deal, he is willing to negotiate
He was a revelation for the Swans for the few games he played this season, and now it emerges Sam Parker has ‘turned down’ a new Swansea City contract. News is thin on the ground, and some of it just incorrect as he looks to involve his representatives in some further negotiations. Plus his current contract runs for two more years.