Rochdale AFC news

Dale Manager Keith Hill

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Manager's Notes

Keith Hill has been reflecting on last weekend’s draw with Doncaster Rovers, as well as looking ahead to Saturday’s League One fixture versus Peterborough United at the Abax Stadium.

“It could have been a 1-0 score-line to us if we had defended properly as a team. Not individually, but collectively as a team and doing things correctly at set-play situations.

“We didn’t and we found ourselves 2-1 down, but we didn’t give up and that’s testament to the players and the character of the squad.

“The game is never over until the final whistle goes. You can argue, you can moan and you can groan about incidents within a game but you can’t switch off at any point until the final whistle is blown.

“You’ve got to play the time until that final whistle goes and we got a good equaliser. It was a great finish from Niall Canavan – it was absolutely superb.

“It just shows what can happen in those moments of fatigue if you keep the ball alive. Campsy won the ball back, Donal delivered a great cross and we got a goal.”

Dale have a rare overnight stay ahead of Saturday’s match at the Abax Stadium – their first since December.

Rochdale face a Peterborough United side who currently sit 14th in the table after losing their midweek fixture against Fleetwood Town.

Grant Holt: we believe we can still do it

Grant Holt says that although the players were disappointed not record a victory over Doncaster Rovers last weekend, they believe the point gained was very important.

With just six games of the season left to play, Dale are still in without an outside chance of achieving a play-off place - sixth placed Millwall are currently eight points ahead of ninth placed Rochdale in the table.

Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Doncaster means Dale have now only lost two of their last 11 games and Holt says it’s important that the side continue on that run of form between now and the end of the season.

He added: “We got the point [against Doncaster] and it’s another point towards where we want to be. Three would have been better but we got one and now we roll onto Peterborough.

“We’re on a great run and we know what we need to do. The lads have talked about not letting the season die or fizzle out and we want to try to keep achieving.

“We still believe we can get in the play-offs – we’ve just got to keep getting the points and keep winning games. This weekend is massive for us and then we go into Saturday/ Tuesday, which is huge."

Peter Oliver and Simon Hammonds clocking up the miles and donations but still have a long way to go!

Cycle to Amsterdam: Over £600 raised so far - £2,000 is the target.

Supporters Simon Hammonds and Peter Oliver are representing Dale at this year’s Cycle to Amsterdam Challenge.

The fundraising event, which is backed by the Football League, will see the duo cycle 145-miles over two days, leaving Barnsley on 3 June.

By signing up for the challenge, they’ve joined 500 other fans/club staff from teams across the Football League in pledging to raise money (a minimum of £1,000 each) for Prostate Cancer UK.

So far, the pair have raised over £600 in total thanks to donations from friends, family and fellow Dale supporters.

Peter said: “I’ve been a cyclist for many years. A couple of years ago, Simon and I completed the John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge and we’re looking forward to cycling from Barnsley to Amsterdam in June.

“It’s a great honour to be representing my football club but also to be cycling for a great charity like Prostate Cancer UK.

“I work in a hospital and I know people who have had prostate cancer. I hope we can help in some small way by fundraising.

“We’ve had donations off people who I don’t know at all, from some who I know from coming to the football and from friends. Some people have donated some really large amounts of money, which is absolutely brilliant - I can't thank them, and the others who have donated, enough. If you can help in anyway, even if it’s just a £1, it would be greatly appreciated.”

Peter and Simon have been getting the miles under their belts in preparation for the ride, with them doing around 40 to 50 miles each time they hit the road.

Simon, who lives in Fleetwood, cycled from Fleetwood to Oldham (and back the next day) for Dale’s League One fixture at Boundary Park last month. That’s 120 miles.

The club has set up a Team-Rochdale JustGiving Page where supporters can donate:

https://www.justgiving.com/team-rochdale

Job Vacancy: Retail Manager

After fifteen years of working at Rochdale AFC, Retail Manager Stuart Ashworth will be leaving the RAFC Club Shop at the end of July to pursue his own photography business and other projects.

Stuart started in 2001 and has worked in a variety of roles including media support, matchday commentary, commercial projects and most recently as Retail Manager.

The club would like to thank Stuart for all of his contributions and hard work over the past 15 years and wish him all the best for the future.

We are pleased that Stuart will remain connected with the club and be working on commercial projects on an ad hoc basis.

Stuart’s departure will leave a vacant post for a Retail Manager and we welcome applications from suitable candidates.

Click HERE for vacancy details.

Tickets still available for an Evening with Grant Holt

Grant Holt says he is looking forward to the ‘Evening with Grant Holt’ event later this month.

Taking place on Thursday 28 April in the Ratcliffe Bars, tickets are selling fast.

Contact Dale's Sales and Marketing Manager Frances Fielding to book tickets.

frances@rochdaleafc.co.uk
01706 753581.

Ticket prices: 

• Standard £40
• VIP £65 (includes drinks & canapes on arrival, wine during your meal and premium positioned seating) 

 All profits go to the Rochdale AFC Study Centre.

On the night, you’ll enjoy a three course meal and delve into the key moments of the life and career of the Dale legend.

“I’ve had a long enough career and I’ve had enough clubs now, so I should be alright, and if you ask the lads, that’s why they’re not coming. They’re sick of hearing all my stories,” laughed Holt.

“I’m really looking forward to it, hopefully we’ll get the room filled and make a lot of money for a fantastic cause.

“As soon as Colin [Garlick, Dale Chief Executive] brought the idea to me and asked me to do it, there was only one answer.”

March Goal of the Month

Callum Camps' stunning strike versus Oldham Athletic has been voted as the Howarth Timber and Building Supplies Goal of the Month for March. It received a massive 85% of the vote.

Want to watch his goal again? Access the club’s official YouTube channel.

Camps will receive his award after Dale’s League One fixture versus Blackpool.

Next at Spotland: Rochdale AFC v Blackpool FC

Saturday 16 April, Spotland Stadium, 3pm kick off

Dale are back in action at Spotland on Saturday 16 April when they play Blackpool.

Fans can buy tickets in advance via the club's online ticketing site - www.rafctickets.co.uk, or over the phone - 08448261907 (option 3). A £2 admin fee applies per transaction on tickets ordered over the phone.

Supporters can also pay on the day.

There's plenty going on for the kids with our specially themed Ghost Busters event. Look out for the giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and see if you can spot the Ghost Busters in the stands. There will also be a free 'Ghosts & Gouls' workshop taking place in Studds Bar before kick-off.

Student Night

Rochdale versus Gillingham, Tuesday 19 April 2016, 7.45pm kick-off

Students can watch Dale’s League One fixture versus Gillingham at Spotland for just £1.

Turn up on the night of the game and buy your ticket from the RAFC ticket office before going to the turnstiles. Proof of student?NUS card will be required.

Please note that this promotion is open to home fans only.

Continuing Dale's strong links with the local colleges, Hopwood Hall College and Rochdale Sixth Form College have been contacted about the offer.