Who were Rochdale Rovers FC?

Rochdale Rovers Football Club 1893-94

The discovery of an old photograph in a job lot from auction has prompted a search for information on a former football team called Rochdale Rovers.

Although born and raised across the Pennines, Allen Wheeler watched football at Spotland when he was younger and became intrigued when he spotted the photo in a purchase from Keebles Auction House.

Originally concealed by the last ever issue of Picture Post Magazine, the photo depicts Rochdale Rovers Football Club during the 1893-94 season.

After delving into the archives however, Mr Wheeler has been unable to find any more information on the team and is appealing for help.

Football Association historian David Barber found no record of the side being affiliated to the English FA, and they do not appear to be a predecessor to today’s Dale side.

The first Rochdale AFC were formed in 1896 and survived until New Year’s Day in 1901.

Later in the year Rochdale Town FC were formed, playing for just two years before they folded in 1903.

After a four year absence of an FA-affiliated team in the town the current club was founded and they have remained ever since.

A new Rochdale Town FC were formed in 1924 in Castleton, originally as St. Gabriels and later Castleton Gabriels, before adopting their current name in 2008.

Rochdale Rovers FC do not appear to have had any connection to the formation of either club however.

In Brisbane, Australia, there is currently a Rochedale Rovers Football Club but they were only formed in 1972 so are unlikely to be any link to the photo.

Mr Barber believes the team photographed could have been affiliated to the Lancashire Football Association but no further information has been found at the moment.

Do you know anything about Rochdale Rovers FC, or own any similar photos? Get in touch to let us know contact news@rochdaleonline.co.uk