Rochdale players receive top treatment

Rochdale Association Football Club news

Rochdale manager Keith Hill has revolutionised the off-the-pitch regime for his players, ensuring that they are 100 per cent prepared for matches. One of the latest additions to the backroom staff at Spotland is James Barrow, qualified Sports Masseur and Personal Trainer, the 21 year-old son of former Dale manager Graham Barrow.

The young Mr Barrow spoke to the club's official website about his role during the important build up to the start of the season. He said: "My role is about coming in and getting everything ready for the players be it training or a match day. Making sure that the right drinks and food are available and taken on board and giving those that need it a massage.

"After training it's more of the same but also getting the ice baths ready for the players. It was hard work getting the lads used to the ice baths but once they have been in they seem to know that it works by speeding up recovery times. Obviously they are working very hard now during the pre-season build up and the ice baths and massages really help.

"On match days myself and Paul Conway our Sports Scientist are here to make sure that when the players arrive they have nothing to worry about. In my time as a player at Bury and then Notts County we were not as fortunate as the players are here and it is very nice for them."

"The manager, Keith Hill ,played for my Dad when he was here and they had nothing like what the lads have now; sometimes they could go training and not even have a drink on the pitch. In my dad's days here it was just himself or if there were no injuries Joe Hinnigan as well. If you were to come to training now you would see at least four or maybe five staff.

"I really enjoy working with the lads and hopefully I am of some benefit to them and would like to put on record my thanks to Keith Hill and Dave Flitcroft for including me in their team."

Ramsden on a goal hunt

Rochdale right-back Simon Ramsden is hoping to contribute to the team effort at both ends of the pitch this coming season. Like the other players he has settled back in to pre-season training nicely and believes the team can challenge at the top end of the League Two table this term.

He said: "Obviously it's hard getting into the swing of things but everybody seems to be enjoying it as much as you can when you are being put through your paces! We have had a lot of ball work as well as running and the new lads have settled into it well. Everything bodes well for the season."

"The players are like the fans in that everyone is really optimistic and if we can carry on the form that we ended last season with we cant see why we can't do well"

The defender has scored four goals so far for Rochdale and is hoping to add to that tally this term. Amazingly three of his four goals have come against his former club Grimsby Town. He scored his first goal for the club against them at Spotland in 2006 and added to that with a brace at Blundell Park in Rochdale's 4-0 win there last season.

Ramsden said of his goalscoring potential for the coming season: "If I'm playing against Grimsby home and away there's every chance! Up until last season I had only scored once but I've got the taste and it's something that I'd definitely like to carry on. When I was younger I did play a lot of the time in midfield or even up front so maybe I do have a bit of instinct in the box. As I say I'm hoping for a few more opportunities to score and to put them away."

Order your retro shirt now!

The long awaited 1907 replica Rochdale shirt is on its way and the club are taking pre-orders.

The long-sleeved black and white shirt is made of 100% cotton and is an exact replica of Rochdale AFC's first ever shirt.

The original was devoid of badges and sponsors and while the club has left off any form of advertising, they have come up with a unique design of badge featuring the Dale crest in gold.

The shirt is sure to be popular and the club are urging supporters to get their order in now.

The shirt is available in all adult sizes from small to XXL and is priced at £39.95

Order yours by emailing Stuart Ashworth at the club

• stuart.ashworth@rochdaleafc.co.uk

or call the club shop on 08708221969

These stories have been produced courtesy of the official Rochdale AFC website.

Visit:

• www.rochdaleafc.co.uk