Parade if Dale reach promised land

A parade will be held through Rochdale if the football club can gain promotion via the League Two play-offs.

The Council is committed to organising the parade if Dale can reach the promised land and have also applauded the football club for the 'huge support' they have given to Rochdale Hornets during recent times.

Councillor David Clayton, who seconded a Council motion which guaranteed the parade, said: “I’m an avid Rochdale Football fan myself but unfortunately I wasn’t able to make the last home game against Darlington as I was on holiday in the Algarve.

"I did manage to catch it on TV however and I was proud when I heard the commentator pay tribute to our football club for being a small but well run club that has managed to stay clear of financial trouble over the years.

"I believe that a victory parade throughout the streets of Rochdale will be a fitting way for our town to celebrate our club hopefully winning at Wembley this time around.”

Dale will learn who their opponents are for the semi-finals of the play-offs this weekend when they face fellow contenders Gillingham. If Dale beat the Gills at Spotland, they will definitely face them again in the end-of-season showdown. A draw or a loss could still see them face Gillingham but it could also set up a mouth-watering clash with local rivals Bury, or even a game against Exeter, should they fail to seal automatic promotion on Saturday.

The first leg of the play-offs will be played on Thursday 7 May, 7.45pm kick off, with the return leg on Sunday 10 May, at either 12pm or 6.30pm.

The final at Wembley is on Saturday 23 May, 3pm kick off.