We speak to Rochdale fan BeckWMG from the Rochdale ClubFanzine messageboard ahead of tomorrow’s game between Stockport County and Rochdale.
How has your season gone so far?
If you would have offered me this position at the start, I would have taken it. After a poor start we have had a great run, which to be honest, apart from our last 5 home games which we have lost, has continued. Our away form has been the obviously highlight.
What’s your recent form like?
Simple. Erratic! Lost our last 5 home games on the trot… but we are unbeatable away! (Ed – So are we! So we’re gonna get leathered!)
What do you make of your manager?
Keith Hill has been a breath of fresh air. He is tactically aware, and has made some brave decisions, that have paid off including dropping the club captain to the bench for a couple of games etc. Whether or not we do anything this year, I can see KH steering us to success in the future.
Rochdale have shot up the league this season, where do you see yourselves ending up come May?
Hopefully Play-offs. We have games in hand on the teams around us, but unfortunatly those games are at home. Sounds weird to say unfortunatly doesn’t it! I think if we are still in the mix with 4/5 games to go we’ll make it.
What were your hopes at the start of the season?
Just to be in the mix. To be honest, a lot of Rochdale fans have high expectancies, I don’t know why. Suppose it was our awesome form at the end of last season tied in with the fact that it is our centenary year this season, but I just wanted to be in with a shout of promotion towards the end of the season and were doing that so I’m happy.
Memories of Stockport County? (Please try not to mention anything involving the score line 7-2!)
Memories of Stockport County… mmmmm, sorry how can I not mention that game! I could mention the game you mugged us earlier in the season, or the 3-0 defeat you gave us at your place, but no sorry. Being at that game and seeing us play like that, is in my Top 3 Dale moments. Just the fact some of your fans were leaving with 30 mins to go was memorable… oh yeah that reminds me.. please don’t turn the scoreboard off this year if we beat you again!!
Who have been your key players this season?
All of our back 4, they have been immense. Perkins, small terrier like midfielder that no-one likes to play against. And although it pains me to say it, Murray. We lost a very good player when we sold him to Brighton and maybe this is the reason behind our ‘blip’ but think the hangover might be clearing now fingers crossed.
Also special mention to both our keepers. Sam Russell and Spenny have both played their fair share of games this season. Spenny has the shirt at the moment. To be fair would be happy with either keeper in net.
How do you feel Alfie and Jamie Spencer, two ex home-grown players for County, have settled in at Spotland?
Spenny looks to have settled in like he’s been here for years. Good keeper, fans favorite. Alfie has yet to win a few fans over. I like him, think he’s obviously a taented player but like most strikers, thrives on confidence and TBH I dont think he’s got much at the moment. The fact that he’s scored in his last 2 away games and will want to get one over on you though does bring a smile to my face though!!
Will anybody be missing from the starting line up that would normally feature?
Erm… to be frank NO! All the regulars are available. In fact we will have a couple of quality players warming the bench, including a couple that were involved in the game you want to forget last season.
How many ‘Dale fans do you expect will make the journey?
We took 850 to MK Dons, a few more to Chester. Given our awesome away form, our good win on Sat and obviously the fact your around the corner… I would hope 1000, maybe a few more.
Obviously, County and ‘Dale are both in with a great chance of promotion this season, what are your predictions for the League Two top seven?
1. P’Boro
2. Hereford
3. Darlo
4. Wycombe
5. Rotherham
6. Stockport
7. Dale
Dale v County Wembley Final!!
Prediction for the match tomorrow?
I think both teams see this as a CRUCIAL game. Although maybe on paper Dale should win given County’s patchy home form and our awesome away record.. I think a draw will prevail. 1-1 or 2-2.
