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Just look at what we could have had
at 12:25 20 Aug 2014

Travelling to the game yesterday, I stopped off for a bite to eat at the Windmill - a popular place just off Jn19 of the M6. A regular place for football teams to pick up players when travelling to away games.

The pub had placed a notice on their door. I do have a photo but don't have it on the internet to post it. It publicised the fact that no players from Fleetwood, Accrington nor Stalybridge were allowed on their premises, including the car park. The reason being a complete lack of respect to the place, the staff, and the general public. Having spoken to staff I can fully understand why.

As Mr. Coleman once said - "be careful what you wish for"

[Post edited 20 Aug 2014 12:26]

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Gary Jones
at 19:55 1 Aug 2014

Playing for Notts Cheaty tonight I am told

Scores with a left footed volley as well

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I would really like us to promote our great feeling
at 20:45 4 May 2014

All

I have not posted for some time — but have one thought for next season.

These pink pants. Those Oldham pink t-shirts (I think).

How about — combined — next year - at the home and away games - we have a combined show of support for Mr Ernie Cooksey? Combined chants and combined pinkage?

And use local media to promote football solidarity and support for generating further awareness of the dangers of sunburn?

Just a thought

Ricardo

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The truth
at 23:42 15 Sep 2012

Not many know the truth about what happened - but many want to speak about it

I was not happy about Grant playing up to get an advantage. I was even less happy when he continued to wink towards me - apparently thinking this is what I had paid to see. I explained I did not like it and he continued to wink and appeared to encourage some of the other Rochdale fans to take it on themselves to have a go at me.

I was thrown to the floor and taken by yellowcoats away. I was not happy about this (I had not done anything) and forced away. Following assessment for head injury, and a cup of tea, I was taken back into the arena (I asked to be escorted back as I had been attacked earlier).

If people want to claim otherwise so be it.

[Post edited 1 Jan 1970 1:00]

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Charlton
at 10:31 29 Jan 2012

Well I had decided not to go - spend too much time away from home as it is.

But, after that performance, I have had no choice - booked - and taking her indoors for a London trip.

Razzle - are you changing your mind?

Can't stop smiling - and I will be first to admit JC was not my first choice. I will admit I was wrong

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Can we please regroup
at 19:28 4 Nov 2011

As a long standing and suffering Dale fan - and having seen recent events on here (and discussions outside of here) may I please just ask that we try and regroup.

I have been very proud of being a loyal supporter over many years. The laughs we had undid the utter despair we endured. We have had recent years of unbelievable achievement.

This achievement is starting to fade - so be it - who really thought it would last. What has surprised me is how that solidarity and steadfastness would dissipate so quickly. And I include myself in that category - and have to pinch myself to "get real".

Simple question - can we get back together - it can do no harm. Can we be at one regardless of the quality of performance (which is not that bad compared to the past).

I'd like to ask for a simple "yes we can and will" or "no bugger off" - but I am well aware that is not so simple.

I'm happy to collate responses but am the first to say I take no responsibility to taken anything forwards -there are far better people than me to do so

Cheers

R

[Post edited 1 Jan 1970 1:00]

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Let's get together for Saturday
at 19:33 6 Sep 2011

Having thought long and hard about many points of view on here now is not the time for doing anything else than supporting our team — players, management, directors and the fans.

Can we please therefore collectively find our camaraderie?

Personally I have felt the need to remind myself of the promise I made to myself at the start of the season. Which was

“It will be difficult for anyone, it’s a difficult start, we could easily be bottom after first few games. Keep with it.”

And I stand by that. So hence that promise remains.

I will admit as to being disappointed and frustrated by the way the team have performed to date and have shown some of that. But the team’s progress remains my (and should remain) all of our main focus. We should all put our points of view to one side for now and the point of this post therefore is to suggest:

- we all put our disappointments, frustrations, whatever behind us and get to bury on Saturday to support our beloved Dale

- if anyone shows they are a little despondent — we all try and remind them that remains our objective and help them continue to feel part of the family — empathise not criticise

- we let the Rochdale playing team know and remember they could not have a better fan base (well as far as our numbers allow)

- we also let the management team know that we will be there for them

Who knows — it might make a difference.

Afterwards — can we also remind ourselves of the very best dark humour that has come from much worse experiences. Anyone else recall being 4-0 down away at Orient to say “can’t get any worse, can it”.

I guess my personal frustration is seeing us being so close to building on a solid foundation and not grasping it. If I wasn’t emotional — I wouldn’t be a footie fan — let alone a Dale fan.

Hope to see everyone there — and hope we all enjoy the day out — whatever transpires in the game.

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Today
at 11:51 31 Aug 2011

What we need most today is calm.

I know we are all eager to get some “big signings” and I also know we all want to address the apparent shortcomings in our team.

But — we need to continue to have trust in (and demonstrate support for) the management team and directors. I’m not sure where all the negatively towards our directors has come from by the way. Who said they were not prepared to splash the cash?

We are not a bad side. We don’t have bad players (admittedly some need to reach their potential). We don’t have a bad future — either on or off the pitch. We don’t have a management team who could be looking to leave (or be poached) every single day.

Rather - we are a team looking to build. We have a good number of good players. We have experience and youth. We have an excellent new coach and backroom staff. We have the best set of directors anybody could hope to work for (or fans to have). We have, believe it or not, the most loyal fans any club could wish to have (but not that many it has to be said).

Whats to worry?

Of course we need time for the club to (re)gel after the summer we had. Of course we need time for the excellent coach to become a manager. Of course we need to strengthen the team after the unfortunate departures. Of course there will be set backs. Of course we will have lows (unfortunately not Ryan!).

I could go on (and Mass Debater will say that I do — with the sh*t that comes with it). But it’s my opinion and I believe I’m entitled.

As fans we need to support this new team rochdale. For me — success is staying in L1 and then building from there. I’m sure I’m not the first to see dwindling attendances across the country - not just at ‘dale. All the more reason to keep that purse shut until the right deal arrives. Well done CD.

So — have faith. We could (should) have gone 1 all at Sheff W, came back well against Hudds, showed strength v Carlisle. Ok we outplayed Oldham until that incident — and where not at our best v Hartlepool. I think the last match illustrates how much our manager has to learn as much as we have to be patient — and shows he is settling in.

We all said it would be a difficult second season — way before this turmoil started. Why can’t we show it on t’internet?

Oh - Mass D - if you don't like it then ignore me

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Sheff Weds (a) - line up
at 06:18 31 Jul 2011

Yesterday was not poor — but nor was it super. But it gives us all a view as to next Sat. And, neck on the line, here’s my thoughts on next Saturday’s line up (having watching all of the pre-season UK based games).

Goalie — who knows — put probably the easiest position to fill at the last minute. Lucas was fine yesterday — no chance with the first and some complained that he dived for the penalty that was driven through the middle of the goal. Well — no pleasing some folks. (and it was an extremely harsh pen shout — made the one at Birmingham away look stonewall).

So goalie — tbc — rumours are Ben Amos — good in my view but the Oldham lads didn’t rate him on loan there recently.

The back four (the only bit of formation I even feel comfortable writing about):

Well we have to admit, with his current lack of 100% concentration, Trotman has to be given a rest. We have to see Bob playing in his position and give Mr Twaddle a run out. He made a huge difference coming on v Crew. So for me it is (Right to left):

Darby, Holness, Twaddle, Widdowson

That leaves Trotman on the bench to cover either CBs (Holness can switch), Twaddle can replace Joe W if needed, and then we need ano to cover the left side defensively if both need to come off.

Midfield (and I can’t hazard a guess at formation)

Tutte a definite, Jones a stalwart, JK for me and I would have gone for Adams before the Crewe game. I’m wondering if Grimes comes back into this “four”, possibly at the expense of Adams. JT (haters ignore) had a great play when coming on — so could be in contention — but prob not match fit enough. Paul Marshall had a good impact as well. My opinion is Gary is at his best at the front so it is for me (back to front):

JK (BBM as back up)

Joey T Tutte

Gary Jones

Leaving our front pairing of:

Grimes COG

And, in the words of a footballing legend, 4 4 f***ing 2.
But what options for a plan B that Engerland have never had.

Subs

Goalie (who knows who might start), BBM, Marshall, Jarrett, Gray, young lad at CB (sorry — forgotten his name)

Remind me — where are Wiseman and Done — not sure we would be much better off with them.

All about opinions. Just mine like

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Eager Anticipation
at 09:37 30 Jul 2011

So here we go — Crewe away — last chance to see the team shaping for the big day next Saturday / Wednesday.

I quiet like the shape of the team that people are suggesting on other threads. I also appreciate the type of football we are trying to play — although I do think we sometimes change formation too much (e.g. Wrexham). Having said all of that — that is the purpose of pre-season games.

I’m intrigued as to the thinking that must be going on in Steve’s head. It has been suggested that Bob should be tried on the right hand side of central defence to improve his passing impact. But I think we all are coming to the view of Widdowson — Holness — Trotman — Darby in front to the tbc goalie. But it has to be said that Steve has thought about this and given opportunities to try other options.

Midfield is looking full of options to me. We look well balanced now with Gary, JK, Nicky Adams and Tutte (although the Baggies didn’t really test us) and have not yet seen BBM nor Joey T feature — both of whom earned their places when played last season. Options galore — and Marshall and Jarret still around the scenes. Not looking a problem to me.

Attacking wise — we’ve not seen much of COG, JLAA looked the part on Tuesday (but not in all games), Grimes looks a handful (but be careful of the yellow cards come next Sat). Joey T / Reece Gray can help up here as well. From the little we saw of COG it looked to me as if we are trying to get a heading goal threat from him as well.

With a couple of youngsters coming through its looking good.

See you at Crewe and Hillsboro.

Ricardo

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Ahead of Southport — how you feeling?
at 08:09 16 Jul 2011

I don’t know about anyone else — but I’m looking forward to today’s first view of our new look Team Rochdale (well I guess the fans and board presence will be fairly consistent). And I feel a huge sense of relief. The Hillcroft regime saga is over — and long live king Steve Eyre. When I look back at my disappointment of Keith’s leaving — I now get a sense of fresh blood, no more fan sniping / “will he go this time” concerns and the rest. Like they say — time is a great healer and all the very best to him.

So, disappointment over, I go to Southport today looking forward to meeting up with old friends, and also with eager anticipation of seeing first hand the new players, team and formation. I also think of how many up and coming players I’ve seen at these games in the past. Will Buckley and Craig Dawson being the most recent to have caught my eye. I’m hoping to come away today thinking that player xxx is going to be a massive influence for us. Maybe more than one player for the first time for me?

I’m also looking forward to seeing the team spirit. You can catch a lot more in the (relatively) relaxed pre-season mood and gain a sense of the strength of camaraderie.

Onwards and upwards, let us all let the new (more than) welcome members of Team Rochdale understand they are part of something special to each and every one of us (albeit in our own way). Let us surprise them by showing our appreciation and have them looking forward to next Tuesday more than they probably already are. And let’s help create the team Rochdale mentality that will remind our one and only Chris O’Grady which shirt he must be wearing at 3pm on 6th August 2011.

Up the Dale

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Post/Pre-Season Thoughts
at 15:00 15 Jun 2011

Further to my last posting I have taken more time to reflect on the events over the last few days (although it feels longer than a season in many ways).

My Goodness -the last 20-30 years
--------------------------------------------

We are all (well most of us anyway) used to getting ready for the end of the season — thankful we remain in league football. And enjoying having a break. And then looking forward to the “new dawn” that might just happen, next season just please, once, for OUR club. But it never did — others came and went, we saw others go into non-league, emerge victorious, and go onto bigger and better things than we had seen in (largely) living memory. Darlington, Lincoln, D&R, ………

And then things started to improve. I really believe this revolution started when the “old board” took control from that unfunny comedian. I think it really started to demonstrate itself with Dave Sutton as manager — for once we had a reasonable chance of watching enjoyable football and being proud of OUR team (admittedly not withstanding THAT goal v Halifax by Wakinshaw).

Lets not forget how our stadium also changed during the tenure of Messrs. Kilpatrick and Morris — as well as improvements on the pitch. We were all less worried about relegation during those years.

Ok — a couple of hiccups — and I don’t want to dwell on those at all — but that period did give us our first playoff adventure.

Then Dave Kikpatrick passes the reigns to the long-standing fan (and director over many years of the post Cannon era) to keep the ship on course — Chris Dunphy.

(More) Recent History
-----------------------------

And how we have continued to build under Chris (so to speak). Many may suggest Chris was “lucky” with Keith Hill - and that may be initially true. However it was not “lucky” to remove the manager at the time (SP) and give a new man time and opportunity to sort things out. It was also not lucky to see that his “please help us out for a couple of weeks” tactical move be quickly consolidated into a permanent role. Nor was it lucky to then to endorse and support his 5-year strategic plan (at that point in time). Finally it was not luck to try and tie Hillcroft to the club — by offering exactly what Hillcroft requested (and supporting the development of a significant improvement in backroom support).

I could suggest it was unlucky that Hillcroft decided their future lay elsewhere after being promised all they had asked for.

Anyway — that is my reflection on the end of a brilliant season last year — and the hope for a new season as I then saw it.

Looking Forwards (then)
--------------------------------

Looking forwards, as we always did, to the new season with (often unfounded) optimism I really and genuinely feel there is real cause for such optimism — my goodness — our management team were intact, been promised all they asked for, and looking to build on their experience from a very successful first year in League 1.

Then Barnsley were mentioned, discounted, and, ultimately, got our team. What an emotional rush (and let down to be honest).

I have to admit to being aggrieved that Keith was able to take his backroom staff with him (and the manner of his departure) — but I have to admit I don’t know the full circumstances surrounding this. All I can say is time is a great healer and I wish them all the best for the future having thanked them for the great times we have enjoyed (FA Cup results beside).

Looking Forwards (now)
-------------------------------

Welcome to Steve.

It was so welcoming to understand that we didn’t go a typical tried and tested way — how would we have felt if an Ince, Taylor (Peter), Gannon etc. was coming over. And, for goodness sake, a Coleman? Could you imagine our reaction to a Simpson?

As a club our directors have to be applauded for trying something new - and that we didn’t want another “old-timer with nothing to prove” — my words — not anyone else’s. And how encouraging is it to understand the directors have done their homework — a caliber of coach who has survived 21 years of turmoil at the “council house”, and looked after many players of note — and to have the backing of Mancini and Kidd? And to have (rumours to be proved) — but even rumours of good old Rochdale taking the primes striking asset Bunn on loan for a season)? And to have the courage to request someone to apply?

Mr. Dunphy — take a bow.

On a final note how pleasing is it to all of us to understand that Steve is willing to leave Man City, and persuade Mr. Bunn to leave Newcastle? To ROCHDALE. Who’d have thought that 2 years — no, sorry - even 4 Â½ years ago?

So — fresh, ambitious, young, enthusiastic …. Way to go — nothing wrong with a calculated risk — and the directors are to be applauded and given the full support to let this new team build on the solid foundations, financially and otherwise, that have been created.

As part of Team Rochdale we, the fans, must support that foundation and give it every possibility to find its feet, and take us further forward than we could ever have believed. I only hope the Sheiks don’t come knocking at the door too soon!

I hope we are all behind the new team, what I can personally say is that I’m looking forward to the new season — perhaps even more than last season — and that’s saying something.

Credit where it is due — infinity out of 10 for our directors vision, courage and execution. I can only hope that Mr. Rochdale himself comes on the journey — please do so Gary.

Look forward to seeing (most of) you next year

Cheers

Ricardo

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Open email - to Keith - if he can be arsed
at 19:09 1 Jun 2011

I have to say before I start writing this that I am emotionally upset with the “to-ings” and “fro-ings” of the last week or so — and I stand by my previous comments that remain for people to see on this message board.

This may appear bitter (or sour grapes from recent posts on this board). But its really not.

I want people — from Rochdale, Barnsley and the general football public to understand the points I am trying to make as this, to my mind, is about rights, wrongs, and fair play.

I’d like to think Mr(s) Keith Hill and David Flitcroft would take this point of view on board — regardless of whether they (or anyone else) agrees with it or not. I’m certainly open to open debate and will willingly discuss any of the points I make. However, I’m pretty sure they won’t even consider any of this.

Where do I start?

Loyalty

I’ll start with loyalty. Not a great topic given recent events I agree. The facts are published that our (RAFC) football club gave Keith everything he asked for — and I believe everything he asked for covering season 2011/12. If this is not the case then Keith should say so. If it is true that an incumbent (and contracted) manager was given everything he asked for then where is his loyalty to the club paying his wages?

Keith committed (not contractually beyond next season I admit) to a 7-year plan to manage RAFC to punch above their weight. He was delivering on this — no question. This included significant (requested and granted) funds to build a backroom staff to help delivery this goal. This was all provided to Keith — I don’t know the basis of this but I presume this was at the total expense of RAFC and not at Keith’s personal expense.

Clearly those staff now appear loyal to Mr Hill rather than their employers and the public that have funded their livelihood. Disgraceful whichever way you look at it. Both in terms of our club allowing that to happen and, more disgracefully, those individuals taking that course of action. Bow your heads in shame. Keith should not be able to look at himself in the mirror.

Before people take a swipe at this point of view — it was RAFC providing some of those people before Keith came on board (e.g. Andy) and subsequently funded the taking on of the others per Keith’s desires. How is it right for him to take a proven team and call them Team Barnsley when we have invested in that creation?

Will RAFC get the opportunity to poach another proven team that others have invested in? We will wait and see.

I wonder how Barnsley fans and directors would react in similar “Keith Hill” world behaviour and, for example, Sheffield United taking their proven team lock stock and barrel? (Sorry Keith — didn’t mean to mention you wanted that big Sheffield job and had to go back cap in hard to your second choice “not right for me” club).

Honesty / Integrity

Well we all know where Keith stands on this. I personally believe he was honest — just that he chose his words extremely carefully. Don’t know if he was close to the Sheff Utd job — do suspect he was looking after his own interests whilst still employed (and being paid) by RAFC.

In terms of integrity — well that is a different story. To select your words so carefully (listen again to his interviews at end of last season) suggests clearly he was on his way if the opportunity arose. Given that state of mind and positioning he wasn’t being “truthful” to those that employed him.

Simply put — would any RAFC fan trust a word he said in the future?

Barnsley beware.

Commitment

Keith expects this from each and every one of his team — at all levels from juniors to the first 11.

Shame he can’t give the same to those that fund his ambition

Fans

It is fair to say that Keith didn’t enjoy the full backing from RAFC fans. As with all clubs — we have our perennial moaners who cannot ever be satisfied. As ever, many of them pay good money to deliberately have the seats to moan at the manager. (As an aside, one of my favourite exchanges was “why do you come every week” (from manager), immediate response (from fan) “to see you get sacked”). Unfortunately this was not Keith however (but manager did get sacked).

However, Keith did have the backing of the vast majority of the RAFC fans, as was evidenced time and again — all the more so at away games.

But none of that stopped him having a pop at the minority of our fans at every occasion that suited him — nationally as well as locally. In my view he could get away with that at RAFC — but suggests he has a lot to learn moving forwards. Nothing that can’t be sorted — but then to treat the loyal fans with his recent statements beggars believe.

In context, I, for one, want to always be remembered for “doing the right thing”. Some of my business people will agree that I’ve done that, others won’t. My proven record of repeat business would justify that. I’ve done well enough in terms of being trustworthy.

Don’t see how Keith can justify that he has done the right thing here and now — but I’ve seen he has recently said he has done nothing wrong over the last week. Ah well.

In this game it is all about reputation (from a fan’s perspective) — but with an ego of his magnitude that needs to be tamed.

Barnsley beware

Continuation

I think we all expected Keith to leave (with David) — and we are all annoyed /disappointed / angry/ whatever of the manner of his dissertation — but I don’t think any of us expected him to rip the heart out of the club he had helped build.
(Don’t know why but I am more disappointed with Keith than Dave).

I genuinely thought he would be please to leave the good ship RAFC sailing onwards — not holed below the bows and with a 999 call needed. If he had left us with a positive way forward, and with a clear continuation of the work moving forwards, this would have been (just about) palatable. Taking all and sundry with him, and leaving (I’m sure) the players in limbo, is simply unacceptable.

Clearly his work to date has been purely for Keith Hill and not Team Rochdale.

I hope his rewards are those that are justified.

Team Barnsley — take note.

(Gentlemen’s Agreements)

Chris — forget them — if they can’t be honoured both ways what is the point?

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Concerned - possibly inappropriately
at 18:18 20 Dec 2010

Just read Official Site -

Got to say I didn't like the following comment in what should be a celebration of our best 4 years (well certainly in my lifetime):

Apparently a comment worth posting was

"So long as you give everything to the club, the players, the board and supporters and expect nothing in return - you'll be ok."

I have to say that is somewhat disrespectful to the club, (most) of the players and the vast majority of supporters who give everything in return in my view.

Just can't see any point that is trying to be made here

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I can't take it any more
at 11:50 6 Nov 2010

I have never ever felt so down after a game. We had so many hoodoos to undo last night and we never ever looked like dealing with any of them.

1 - Live TV — after winning our first three (I think) live games — I don’t think we have got close since.

2 - FA Cup — when will we get past the first round — at least we were drawn at home this time

3 - So called minnows — did we ever have a better chance of progression? Err — Forest Green Rovers, Luton, ….. reminds me of that awful game against Altringham all those years ago

4 - Get the town behind us — well I for one am tired of getting people to the ground to be, to be perfectly honest, embarrassed by what we showed.

And I could (and probably will) go on.

However, the real reason for my despair is the lack of honesty in the game. I’m not talking about the occasional “bad decision” — for example the probable penalty in the first couple of minutes yesterday nor the two reasons why the winning goal should not have been allowed (not including the foul on COG before SCUM even got into our half).

Basically I really want to watch an enjoyable game of FAIR football and think that the better team (or luckier team if needed) won through. I’ve enjoyed loads of games where this has been the case — winners and losers both. I was one of the few on the Friday evening when we beat Cambridge 2-1 against all the odds. So I don’t think you can question my commitment to date.

Simply put, I can no longer watch the game being ruined by so many bad decisions nor gamesmanship. We can so something about the former (better referees etc.) but I cannot abide the latter. The most recent being at Leyton Orient with the change in multi-ball when it suited the home team. We have been the victims of many bad decisions this year, and October 2010 has to be the worst month in many a year to be a Dale fan.

Much as it pains me — I can no longer watch the team nor game I love

If anyone wants tickets to a Rochdale AFC Executive box then please respond to this post with contact details

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Ricardo

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