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Rochdale |
| We never used to play Rochdale did we? |
| If you’ve never supported a basement football club then it’s fair to say that you most probably wouldn’t know a great deal about Rochdale. After all, the town’s football club have only ever been promoted once, way back in 1968/69 and ever since relegation in 73/74 ‘Dale have graced the bottom division with their presence. |
| So they’re even worse than Rovers? |
| Well, in a purely historical sense, yes (Rovers having had three promotions and longer out of the basement). Although Rochdale did manage to reach the League Cup final in 61/62, which was a pretty impressive achievement (they lost over 2 legs to Norwich). More recently they had a great run of six straight wins, which was only ended by bottom club Kiddie last weekend. They currently lie 11 th in the table, with one more point than Rovers. |
OK, I’ll concede that they’re actually better than
Rovers. It must be The Goal Machine, Taity, that’s got them
into that position then? |
| We can only imagine that Paul Tait’s presence has had a huge effect on Rochdale. Admittedly he only scored his first league goal earlier this month, doubling his total in all competitions (he also scored against Wolves in the Carling Cup), but who knows how many goals he’s set up… Luckily for Rovers (but not Goal Machine fans) it seems that Tait has picked up an injury and won’t be playing on Saturday. |
If not Taity, who’s been scoring all their goals? |
| Grant Holt mainly. He’s got 16 goals (and a whopping 8 yellow cards) in all competitions so far this season. The good news is that he has been linked with a move to Plymouth, which may even take place before the weekend according to the local press down there. |
Let’s hope he goes, it’s about time for an away win. |
| It’s only four months since the last one! There’s more good news too: defender Gareth Griffiths and midfielder Ernie Cooksey are both suspended on Saturday. |
| What about the town? Is it another one of those Manchester suburbs? |
| Rochdale’s in the general direction of Manchester or, to be more accurate, in a valley in Lancashire with the Pennine Hills to the east and the Rossendale hills to the north). It’s been around for a fair while too: Rochdale was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, although, like much of the local area, its biggest growth came with the textile mills and advent of the industrial revolution. Its name comes from the River Roch (pronounced Roach), which runs through the centre of the town. |
That sounds nice. If it’s sunny I can go and sit by the river. |
| Sadly you won’t be able to as the river has been covered up, literally. The whole of the town centre is now effectively a bridge which covers a mile of the Roch, making it the widest bridge in the world. I bet you never knew that! |
| You’re right there. Anything else I should know? |
| Funny you should say that. There’s a story in Rochdale that claims that Hitler was so enamoured by the gothic-style town hall (the finest outside of Manchester one local tells me) that he ordered his bombers not to hit it. And they didn’t. The next bit of the story says that Adolf would have made it his English headquarters had he won the war. The fact that there wasn’t any bombing in the area and that there is no historical evidence backing up the tale shouldn’t get in the way of what is after all a pretty good story. |
| I’m not sure I’d be bragging about Hitler liking my Town Hall. Is there anything to redeem Rochdale folk? |
| There is as it happens. Back in 1844, seven people started something in Toad Lane that would change the world : the Co-operative Movement. A museum now preserves the The Rochdale Pioneers original store and next week sees the 160 th anniversary of the movement’s foundation. These days Co-operatives exist all over the world, including Football Supporters Trusts (like Rovers’ Gas Trust and the Dale Supporters Trust). |
| Any other famous sons and daughters? |
| The wartime singer Gracie Fields (born Gracie Stansfield) hailed from Rochdale. Years later, another Rochdale Stansfield – Lisa – was also to become a famous singer. Other famous locals include Julie Goodyear who lives on the Rochdale borders, Anna Friel and the late Cyril Smith. Smith’s brother, Norman, was a Councillor for the Spotland Ward until he retired recently. |
Ah, Spotland - that’s the ground isn’t it? |
| It certainly is and it was named for the surrounding area. Away fans get to sit in the Willbutts Lane Stand (or Westrose Leisure Stand as it’s now known) at a cost of £15 (£9 concessions). |
| And last but not least, is there a pub I should head to? |
| If you’re coming in by train then there are all the usual chain-type pubs in town but there are also a few options nearer the ground: The Studds Bar is underneath the W.M.G. Stand but before the game you can access it from outside the ground. The Ratcliffe Arms is in the club car park on Sandy Lane and The Church Inn is on the corner of Willbutts Lane, near the away turnstiles. Also recommended are The Cemetary Hotel on Bury Road (junction of Sandy Lane) and the Dog and Partridge (also on Bury Road). |
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2004