Dale prepare for opening game without McArdle

Photo: Alan Ryder

Keith Hill bellows instructions from the touchline.

Dale boss Keith Hill has challenged his squad to 'over-achieve' yet again this season as the League Two side prepare for their opening game at Port Vale a week on Saturday -  Dale lost at Port Vale last season in a game over the Christmas period they should have won.

Hill, has a tight budget and is working with just 18 players and to make the task more difficult, key defender Rory McArdle will be missing for the first month of the new campaign with a dislocated shoulder. 

Having taken the club to the play-offs in two successive seasons, Hill says that a similar achievement will prove to be a tough task this season.