Dale showed their inconsistency once again as they got thumped 3-1 at Shrewsbury. A late consolation goal from Lee McEvilly was all Dale could muster after another poor performance.

Seems like there is a hole in our dreams. Paul Simpson step forward. You have caused this. Another absolutely spineless display from Dale, against in all honesty a very average Shrewsbury side.

Quite what is going on at this club is beyond belief. The minority still shout for Simpson to stay, but after this display it was quite obvious a hell of a lot of Dale fans are now firmly behind the Simpson Out bandwagon.

Dale welcomed back Clive Platt up front, Simpson dropping himself to the bench. Oliver was also on the bench. Dale were on the back foot pretty much from the off, and after just 5 minutes were a goal down.

A ball into the box was not dealt with and it fell to Jagielka on the edge of the box completely unmarked. His shot came through a crowd of players and caught Gilks unaware, and the young stopper failed to get sufficient contact to keep it out.

Dale started to come forward though, and for a while it looked like we might get back into the game. Paddy was causing problems with his skilful runs, but they never amounted to anything, and that was about it for Dale in a poor half.

Just before half time Shrewsbury doubled there lead. Jagielka was on hand to volley home a cross at the back post, once again completely unmarked. Dale were booed off, and a few Simpson Out chants were already being heard at the half time whistle.

The second half saw Dale bring off Stephen Hill and bring on Michael Oliver. Shrewsbury continued in their dominance, and soon made it 3-0. Lowe side-footed home from a cross from close range.

The heavens then opened and torrential rain was cast down upon Gay Meadow. An act of God maybe, but the only one of those we would like to see would be Simpson not being here anymore. The terrace soon became flooded also, as did the pitch.

Shrewsbury sat back, and Dale came into the game. Patrick McCourt hit the post and the rebound fell to Evil who spooned his shot wide with an open net from barely 5 yards out. Oliver also went close as did Paddy again. Dale finally did get one back though when Evil powered in a finish after beating his marker in the box.

Scant consolation really. There was never going to be a comeback though, as Shrewsbury were still fully in control. The final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos, and more Simpson Out chants, and rightly so.

A bold statement coming up right now, but if Paul Simpson has signed or is about to sign a new contract, Dale are going absolutely nowhere, and if they do it will not be the way we want. Everyone who was there today and has eyes (two people not included in that, you know who you are!), must see that the contract MUST be ripped up, and a replacement must be found.

For the good of the club, please get rid of him now. Its days like today that show how bad things have become. Never seen so many people disinterested in the game, and happy to stand on a terrace singing 'We're Singing In The Rain!'

Up The Dale - SIMPSON OUT

Photo: Action Images

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