| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United 09:00 - Dec 28 with 9376 views | RochdaleAFC.com |
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 09:27 - Dec 31 with 1747 views | TalkingSutty |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 08:59 - Dec 31 by NorthernDale |
One Saturday, we need to beat Brackley and hope the results go in our favour, in that Boreham Wood are home to York, a win for us and a draw between them would put us back top.
This may be wishful thinking, but we can still hope the results go in our favour, other games of interest
Forest Green - Halifax (hopefully a draw), Carlisle - Wealdstone (a potential difficult game for Carlisle), Scunthorpe - Sutton (I expect a home win). |
Forget the rest, just concentrate on our own results. A win on Saturday and we are in a great position. Sometimes you run into a team who are better than you on the day, that was the case last night. |  | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 10:22 - Dec 31 with 1562 views | frenzied |
Quite agree
For as long as we are in control of our own destiny thats fine...as is the case now.
Its a 6 way battle for the top spot for now | | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 10:55 - Dec 31 with 1495 views | samueloneils |
Surely the most depressing thing was that it took 58 minutes to register a shot-not on goal but just a shot.
We must have that extra striker now, as we have needed all season.
Also Mani will be 31 in 6 weeks time. We need some new blood if this is to be a serious attempt at the top spot. | | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 10:59 - Dec 31 with 1483 views | dingdangblue |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 10:55 - Dec 31 by samueloneils |
Surely the most depressing thing was that it took 58 minutes to register a shot-not on goal but just a shot.
We must have that extra striker now, as we have needed all season.
Also Mani will be 31 in 6 weeks time. We need some new blood if this is to be a serious attempt at the top spot. |
Rodney was through in the first half and had a shot saved by the keeper. |  |
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 11:40 - Dec 31 with 1367 views | EllDale |
And should McBride have done better with the header? | | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 12:40 - Dec 31 with 1251 views | Edindale |
No need to panic just yet but we do need 3 points against Brackley.
Think that Rodney was flagged offside and that McBride should have scored. When is Mani back?
Boreham wood and York both look very strong at the moment but something has to give in their forthcoming fixture.
February is certainly a crunch month and we could do with a full squad on form and firing on all cylinders. Interestingly enough I don't think we know our best starting XI or formation just now which may be a good thing as teams apply a low press and will force us to adapt. | | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 12:56 - Dec 31 with 1206 views | surb_dale |
The forthcoming january transfer window will be interesting and could have a bearing on which sides can stay the course. You would expect there will be efl interest for some of the leagues star players including the likes of Linney at Carlisle, Pearce at York and Abdulmalik at Borehamwood. Beckwith would also be in that list but not now he's out injured. Also not sure if we will see Whatmuff again as there will be interest from other clubs thats for sure. The likes of Carlisle, Forest Green and York are likely to be able to continue to spend to strengthen but if York did lose Pearce and Carlisle lost Linney they would be tough to replace. I'd like to think we have a replacement for Amantchi lined up to come in in next couple of weeks once he goes back. By the time we get to mid Feb the make of the top spots is likely to have been whittled down to 2 or 3 teams in the mix for the title. Hopefully we will still be one of them. | | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 13:27 - Dec 31 with 1129 views | 442Dale |
A York fan on Twitter commented that Pearce may have picked up a knock last night, he was subbed straight after his winner. Could be something and nothing of course but other sides will have to get over obstacles at some stage. We can only do our best and hope that what happens elsewhere works in our favour.
Back to Dale, as well as the obvious need for an addition up top, I do think it’s time we shuffled the pack where we’ve yet to make real changes - midfield.
It was refreshing to see a different structure there late on last night and the presence of Pettit who looks to push forwards with the ball made a difference. East and Gilmour have been fantastic so far. East’s response to the one time he was left out at Tamworth showed his ability to respond to a challenge and he offers a lot with the way he links play on the right and being able to get into the box. However, we need to change it up a bit and give Pettit a run. If not, why is he here? We can’t have someone of that quality being a perennial late sub.
East and even Gilmour should appreciate that there will be some rotation. Now’s the time.
Or play all three and switch to a front two… |  |
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 13:44 - Dec 31 with 1073 views | Ben_M |
Accrington’s groundsman seems a little skeptical about the probability of Saturdays game taking place reading Twitter. ‘ In Gods hands ‘ he’s said. Apparently their pitch can take a lot of rain but struggles over winter.
It’s forecast to be sub freezing from 5pm Friday all the way till midday Saturday in Accie and only then going to 1 degree before it goes to -1 again at 4. Early doors yet I know but would be far from ideal if it was to be the case. | | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 13:50 - Dec 31 with 1055 views | 442Dale |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 13:44 - Dec 31 by Ben_M |
Accrington’s groundsman seems a little skeptical about the probability of Saturdays game taking place reading Twitter. ‘ In Gods hands ‘ he’s said. Apparently their pitch can take a lot of rain but struggles over winter.
It’s forecast to be sub freezing from 5pm Friday all the way till midday Saturday in Accie and only then going to 1 degree before it goes to -1 again at 4. Early doors yet I know but would be far from ideal if it was to be the case. |
If it goes as forecast, then it is looking pretty doubtful. Accrington can’t do any more, they’ve been great but maybe it will be only one game that’s played there. Unless it’s rearranged for a midweek before the 24th.
Switch it to Spotland… | |
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 14:36 - Dec 31 with 962 views | dingdangblue |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 12:40 - Dec 31 by Edindale |
No need to panic just yet but we do need 3 points against Brackley.
Think that Rodney was flagged offside and that McBride should have scored. When is Mani back?
Boreham wood and York both look very strong at the moment but something has to give in their forthcoming fixture.
February is certainly a crunch month and we could do with a full squad on form and firing on all cylinders. Interestingly enough I don't think we know our best starting XI or formation just now which may be a good thing as teams apply a low press and will force us to adapt. |
He definitely wasn't offside. Around 12 mins in, he should've scored - we got a corner from the keeper's save. | |
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 14:41 - Dec 31 with 955 views | Yorkshire_Dale |
Slightly off topic but still pertinant....I was talking to a Stockport fan a couple of days ago and
Corey Edwards name came up......what's the deal with this young fella. Apparently he has only been featuring in Cup games and was certainly not in the squad for the last 2 games.
He served us well at the back end of last season and with our midfield getting the odd re-gig there must be a place for him, if only at this stage back-up.
Anyone know what deal Dale struck with County? | | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 15:22 - Dec 31 with 886 views | 49thseason |
Pete O'Rourke on X.. EFL clubs looking a York's Stones...
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 15:42 - Dec 31 with 835 views | dingdangblue |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 11:40 - Dec 31 by EllDale |
And should McBride have done better with the header? |
To be fair McBride should do better with most of his chances. He was probably looking to head it to someone else! 😆 | |
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| (No subject) (n/t) on 16:12 - Dec 31 with 774 views | 49thseason |
Does anyone know why they trained on Avro's pitch recently? [Post edited 31 Dec 2025 16:32]
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 18:55 - Dec 31 with 581 views | 49thseason |
Hartlepool takeover confirmed...
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 18:57 - Dec 31 with 577 views | 49thseason |
FGR strengthen their forward line
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 19:20 - Dec 31 with 526 views | 442Dale |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 18:57 - Dec 31 by 49thseason |
FGR strengthen their forward line
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It’s someone else for their awful manager to criticise in a few weeks.
His interviews are going as predicted when they start to drop points. | |
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 20:29 - Dec 31 with 440 views | 49thseason |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 19:20 - Dec 31 by 442Dale |
It’s someone else for their awful manager to criticise in a few weeks.
His interviews are going as predicted when they start to drop points. |
Do you think we will add anyone? It seems clear we need to at least replace Amantchi, I sometimes wonder if McNulty has a bit of a blind spot where centre forwards are concerned... We certainly can't afford to have another Brackley nonsense on Saturday. | | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 21:56 - Dec 31 with 346 views | fitzochris |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 20:29 - Dec 31 by 49thseason |
Do you think we will add anyone? It seems clear we need to at least replace Amantchi, I sometimes wonder if McNulty has a bit of a blind spot where centre forwards are concerned... We certainly can't afford to have another Brackley nonsense on Saturday. |
Why does he have a blind spot? It’s got to be the right player that is brought in and, without paying a transfer fee, the market, especially in January, is difficult for any position, let alone centre forward.
I’m not saying you think this at all, but there is definitely a perception outside the club that we’ve spent big on the squad this season. We haven’t, other than perhaps pushing the boat out on one or two players only.
The budget was not the best in the league and McNulty made decisions on how to best spread that to build a squad. Some raised eyebrows at the risk he took with the goalkeeper in order to use budget elsewhere, for example, but that has paid off.
By and large, McNulty and co’s recruitment has been excellent given we aren’t paying transfer fees.
He is more than aware we need a replacement for Amantchi and, not just that, cover for Mani D’s injury also. Finding the right player takes time and we know from his interview at the start of the season that the right player isn’t just down to ability, but character also.
I’m sure we will have an addition before long. |  |
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 22:15 - Dec 31 with 294 views | 442Dale |
McNulty has quite clearly year on year identified what needs improving at centre forward and looked to improve on it.
Firstly we developed a way of playing that made the most of Mitchell’s attributes in the penalty area. Then when it was obvious that didn’t offer us options in games we brought in Bird. Then we made sure the way Henderson has remarkably got better as a specialist no.9 helped in the run in last season. Then we brought in Dieseruvwe who provides us with the best option within our current structure to enable the team to play in different ways (something seen immediately as soon as Bird arrived, a spell unfortunately impacted by his injuries).
The loan signing of Amantchi was to support everything that has been built, but it hasn’t worked. That’s football sometimes.
So no, of course McNulty hasn’t got any issues in recognising what we need up front. My one criticism, backed up by that last 15 mins or so last night, has been how little we change the formation mid-game (or even giving it a go from the start). Despite it being a common mistake made by some who talk about who we have as a forward partnership, it’s not a front two. But we have missed a trick not trying one more often.
A midfield three of East, Gilmour and Petit with Mani + Rodney ahead of them? Would love to see that sometime. Yes, it would mean a lot of talented players missing out, but there’s a dominant look to those five together. | |
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 23:41 - Dec 31 with 165 views | 49thseason |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 21:56 - Dec 31 by fitzochris |
Why does he have a blind spot? It’s got to be the right player that is brought in and, without paying a transfer fee, the market, especially in January, is difficult for any position, let alone centre forward.
I’m not saying you think this at all, but there is definitely a perception outside the club that we’ve spent big on the squad this season. We haven’t, other than perhaps pushing the boat out on one or two players only.
The budget was not the best in the league and McNulty made decisions on how to best spread that to build a squad. Some raised eyebrows at the risk he took with the goalkeeper in order to use budget elsewhere, for example, but that has paid off.
By and large, McNulty and co’s recruitment has been excellent given we aren’t paying transfer fees.
He is more than aware we need a replacement for Amantchi and, not just that, cover for Mani D’s injury also. Finding the right player takes time and we know from his interview at the start of the season that the right player isn’t just down to ability, but character also.
I’m sure we will have an addition before long. |
Didnt say he has a blind spot .. I said I sometimes wonder IF he has...Bird and Mani have been reasonably successful but Mitchell and Amantchi were underwhelming, I will elucidate...I happen to think a quality centre forward is as essential as a good centre half and a good central midfielder in a successful side, It was clear that Amantchi was not an adequate replacement for Mani, hence we would suffer during a Mani injury... I think that is exactly the current case. A 40+ year old Henderson would be better than OK even 5 years ago but he really isnt a centre forward so last night we started with Smith, who will never be a centre forward and needs one to play off. I thought that was a mistake as indeed Henderson proved in his short but effective cameo in the second half...hence the blindspot question... The spine breaks down when there is noone at the top of the spine to hold the ball up and cause the opposition centre half some grief, good centre forwards score goals and also make opportunities for others, we need two plus Henderson, someone who can do what Mani does and puts his place under pressure or allows for fresh legs when Mani is struggling, we currently dont have that person and haven't really had for the last two seasons so, "does McNulty have a blind spot at centre forward"? Its a fair question you dont seem to think so, I do, opinions eh? ...Maybe there will be an arrival soon.. I sincerely hope so.... | | | |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 00:06 - Jan 1 with 134 views | fitzochris |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 23:41 - Dec 31 by 49thseason |
Didnt say he has a blind spot .. I said I sometimes wonder IF he has...Bird and Mani have been reasonably successful but Mitchell and Amantchi were underwhelming, I will elucidate...I happen to think a quality centre forward is as essential as a good centre half and a good central midfielder in a successful side, It was clear that Amantchi was not an adequate replacement for Mani, hence we would suffer during a Mani injury... I think that is exactly the current case. A 40+ year old Henderson would be better than OK even 5 years ago but he really isnt a centre forward so last night we started with Smith, who will never be a centre forward and needs one to play off. I thought that was a mistake as indeed Henderson proved in his short but effective cameo in the second half...hence the blindspot question... The spine breaks down when there is noone at the top of the spine to hold the ball up and cause the opposition centre half some grief, good centre forwards score goals and also make opportunities for others, we need two plus Henderson, someone who can do what Mani does and puts his place under pressure or allows for fresh legs when Mani is struggling, we currently dont have that person and haven't really had for the last two seasons so, "does McNulty have a blind spot at centre forward"? Its a fair question you dont seem to think so, I do, opinions eh? ...Maybe there will be an arrival soon.. I sincerely hope so.... |
I’m not saying it’s an unfair question, hence why I asked one of my own.
I agree with what you say in terms of the importance of the role (my latest blog post basically says the same thing). My point is that McNulty’s system uses just one no.9 on the field. That means anyone not first choice is getting splinters. It’s a difficult ask when you’ve not got tons of cash to chuck at players, to find someone who knows they’ll be playing second fiddle. Yes, you can encourage competition but it’s already tough for positions where there are more places on the field in that role. Look at Casey Pettit, for example.
See 442s post about how McNulty has evolved the No.9 spot over his tenure. I reiterate the point from my original post, though. It’s not easy to find a player that does all the No.9 things well. | |
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| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 00:13 - Jan 1 with 128 views | 442Dale |
| TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Hartlepool United on 23:41 - Dec 31 by 49thseason |
Didnt say he has a blind spot .. I said I sometimes wonder IF he has...Bird and Mani have been reasonably successful but Mitchell and Amantchi were underwhelming, I will elucidate...I happen to think a quality centre forward is as essential as a good centre half and a good central midfielder in a successful side, It was clear that Amantchi was not an adequate replacement for Mani, hence we would suffer during a Mani injury... I think that is exactly the current case. A 40+ year old Henderson would be better than OK even 5 years ago but he really isnt a centre forward so last night we started with Smith, who will never be a centre forward and needs one to play off. I thought that was a mistake as indeed Henderson proved in his short but effective cameo in the second half...hence the blindspot question... The spine breaks down when there is noone at the top of the spine to hold the ball up and cause the opposition centre half some grief, good centre forwards score goals and also make opportunities for others, we need two plus Henderson, someone who can do what Mani does and puts his place under pressure or allows for fresh legs when Mani is struggling, we currently dont have that person and haven't really had for the last two seasons so, "does McNulty have a blind spot at centre forward"? Its a fair question you dont seem to think so, I do, opinions eh? ...Maybe there will be an arrival soon.. I sincerely hope so.... |
Some of the moves haven’t worked, some have. Like when Hill brought in Jon Shaw one year and COG the next.
IF McNulty had a blind spot, he wouldn’t have taken the actions listed in my last post. But he did, so the evidence points to anyone thinking he has being wrong.
One thing not mentioned so far, I don’t think, is if Amantchi had been as impressive in all his appearances as he had when he started against Solihull Moors, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. He didn’t, possibly not all his own fault as maybe he needs regular game time, so we are where we are.
For this Jon Shaw, it’s possible the next addition with be a Chris O’Grady.
Or a Paul Tait. | |
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