Keith Hill looks forward to local derby against Oldham

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Keith Hill

After securing six points from six over Easter, Rochdale go into Saturday’s local derby against Oldham Athletic just three points outside the play-off places, with two fixtures left to play.

Manager Keith Hill said: "It’s a one game at a time opportunity and that’s what we’ve created.

“As a manager, all you’re looking for is good form, good performances and good results, and the last two games have yielded six points off the back of very good performances, so I’m pleased going into the next game.

“Games are running out and we’re very close to getting to the end of the 46 game season, but as I’ve always said, there’s where we should be judged.”

Dale face an Oldham Athletic side which is much improved since the return of John Sheridan.

Oldham were bottom of League One when Sheridan was appointed for a third time in January but he’s steered them up to 17th in the table, with their survival all but mathematically confirmed.

Hill is full of praise for his counterpart. He said: “John Sheridan, like myself, expects his players to reflect him.

“He is very competitive and if he was still playing now he’d be a player that I’d want to recruit. I think he was a marvellous player and I love his character. I love the way he wants his team to commit and he’s a winner.

“Like I said, if he was still playing then I’d be trying to recruit him, but he’d probably be outside of my pay structure.

“I think it’s brilliant that he’s so honest in the way he manages. I see managers who are afraid to show their character on the touchline and they are guarded in interviews, but John wears his heart on his sleeve.

“He demands such high standards from his players and it’s no surprise since he’s come back to Oldham that the fortunes of the football club have turned around again. I think he’s been there three times now and every time he has been very successful.

“I like his winning mentality and that’s what he wants from his players. That’s what I want from my players and think we’re both of the same making – we demand it from our teams and we’re not afraid to show those demands to the public.”