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Reply | TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United
at 00:06 1 Jan 2026
I’m not saying it’s an unfair question, hence why I asked one of my own.
I agree with what you say in terms of the importance of the role (my latest blog post basically says the same thing). My point is that McNulty’s system uses just one no.9 on the field. That means anyone not first choice is getting splinters. It’s a difficult ask when you’ve not got tons of cash to chuck at players, to find someone who knows they’ll be playing second fiddle. Yes, you can encourage competition but it’s already tough for positions where there are more places on the field in that role. Look at Casey Pettit, for example.
See 442s post about how McNulty has evolved the No.9 spot over his tenure. I reiterate the point from my original post, though. It’s not easy to find a player that does all the No.9 things well. |
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Reply | TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United
at 21:56 31 Dec 2025
Why does he have a blind spot? It’s got to be the right player that is brought in and, without paying a transfer fee, the market, especially in January, is difficult for any position, let alone centre forward.
I’m not saying you think this at all, but there is definitely a perception outside the club that we’ve spent big on the squad this season. We haven’t, other than perhaps pushing the boat out on one or two players only.
The budget was not the best in the league and McNulty made decisions on how to best spread that to build a squad. Some raised eyebrows at the risk he took with the goalkeeper in order to use budget elsewhere, for example, but that has paid off.
By and large, McNulty and co’s recruitment has been excellent given we aren’t paying transfer fees.
He is more than aware we need a replacement for Amantchi and, not just that, cover for Mani D’s injury also. Finding the right player takes time and we know from his interview at the start of the season that the right player isn’t just down to ability, but character also.
I’m sure we will have an addition before long. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Altrincham v Rochdale
at 21:40 19 Dec 2025
Well done Jim McNulty. A squad now feeling injuries to key players but still producing performances and results like that. Still a long way to go but, at this stage, full plaudits to the head coach. |
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Reply | Medal for Tanser
at 20:58 14 Dec 2025
He has also won the trophy with St Johnstone. |
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Reply | INJURIES
at 15:41 7 Dec 2025
While the injury list is a concern, Smith, Whatmuff, Rodney and Beckwith all picked up their injuries in a match rather than anything training related. |
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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 2025 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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