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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
at 10:31 20 Sep 2026
Only two players from last season started yesterday. That is some upheaval but one I fully understand. The quality in the team needed improving and for me it has. Tasker has been given a tough gig so far. Starting 48 hours after arriving. Then away at Walsall and the clash yesterday. He is already looking to be a shrewd signing. I think Adeeko will become a first name on the team sheet type player for us this season, while Brown and Flint will also be hard to dislodge from the side.
Having said that credit to Dan Moss who found it difficult to break into the NL team at times but is now thriving. Fortune has favour him. Without the injuries to Maguire and EEL he would have been bench warming. Stepping into the CH role has been the making of him and his performances mean he now owns the shirt.
No mistaking that was Iw’s team out there yesterday. Hope they can solidify what they have in the last few games. Gate sizes will hold up if the team continues to play with commitment and passion.
UTD |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
at 16:26 19 Sep 2026
We all see the game slightly differently, but can’t see how Browne had a poor game. He is very good at occupying his marker, dragging them where they don’t want to go, works really hard and score a cracker today. Him and Mani are chalk and cheese in every way. To me he is doing just fine.
Was amazed the Wilson appeared to be detailed to mark Fondop. He was clearly going to loose that battle. He needed replacing a bit earlier with Maguire.
We struggle to gain control for large parts of the game, but nonetheless we are now competing. We are getting there. That was a tough test today and we passed it. Delighted to get the win in front of a 6k crowd.
We are still deep in the woods but a path out has started to emerge. Credit to all concerned.
UTD |
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Reply | Refwatch - Walsall v Rochdale
at 16:11 13 Sep 2026
We really had to grind to get the draw yesterday. We were not good. However it’s was night and day compared to Newport. That said we cannot expect to get many points away from home performing at that level. When the opposition get 24 attempts on goal in a game with 9 on target (BBC) you are going to concede in the vast majority of those games. When that happens we are not currently good enough to get back in a game.
So something/s need to change. I will leave the formation and tactics to those more qualified than me, but clearly we are not able to repel the opposition for long enough periods to grab a real hold, other than against Shrewsbury. The other option is of course the gaining of match fitness for those who are not at that stage. As that happens results may improve, but how many are good enough to be obvious starters. The three wingers almost definitely are (given their appearances in L1) but you aren’t going to play them 3 in the same side. Beckwith and East are not certain starters at this level and neither is Rodney or Pettit. Can we use the squad to fashion a team capable, and bench capable of finishing 22nd or above? I think we can, but we will need good stewardship, and a bit of luck of which we are due.
UTD |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Shrewsbury Town
at 23:17 1 Sep 2026
Shrewsbury were a match for us in the first 30 minutes, but wilted away and lost belief as the game progressed. Lots of positives nonetheless. Not got much press on here tonight but I thought Baba Adeeko was excellent tonight. He will be a key player for us moving forward. Taylor was another signing who impressed. The knew SAJ? Honourable mentions to Hannett, Moss and Brown who is full of bustle. Ramming appeared to be transformed compared to the Newport game, but so were the whole back line.
Watson was on a knife edge tonight so credit where it’s due, he and his team rallied against all the negatives that have been swirling around them. Momentum is key now.
My only comment of any doubt was IW does like to make late subs. I thought that the game was crying out for Gilmour with 15 minutes left, probably in place of Francis who got tired. Minor stuff compared to the significance of the night.
UTD |
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Reply | Refwatch - Colchester United v Rochdale
at 14:22 30 Aug 2026
Just seen owain’s vlog. One thing was clear to me the players are still playing for the club and the supporters. They put in a shift, especially defensively. That’s the good news.
However I listened to Cowley’s interview after the game and one of his first comments was it was good to get the three points and a clean sheet because I don’t think we played very well. The trouble with that comment is they looked more assured and measured in possession than we did. We seem to be surrendering possession too easily. That has something to do with our players struggling with the physicality of the opposition.
We are three EFL established players short of what is required. We are only looking to get one / two players in.
My ideal at the moment would be to hawk one / two of Mani, Dev, East and Gilmour to a National league team ( they would be considered proper assets at that level) and bring in two players with the solid EFL experience, who do not have a history of injury issues. Could we do that in the time available, no hope. This squad is not good enough. I get the likes of Beckwith, Hayes and Petit are out, but we have a long season ahead and the quality is spread to thin, taking further injuries into account.
Some measured surgery is already required quickly. The January window a lot of points away.
It feels strange to already have moved from elation to desperate hope, but that’s football.
UTD |
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Reply | Refwatch - Colchester United v Rochdale
at 22:34 29 Aug 2026
Maynard has no relevant EFL experience, which is a Nono for me.
The IW BBM comparison doesn’t work. BBM took over when we were in a bad way during the season and kept us up. IW was appointed in an accepted chaotic summer. Chalk and cheese.
Do agree we’re are in a time critical situation here. |
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Reply | Dale Trust website
at 10:25 28 Aug 2026
I was encouraged enough by this effort to part with a tenner and rejoin. Off the pitch we are still travelling in the right direction.
Just need the team to click now.. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Newport County v Rochdale
at 10:07 16 Aug 2026
Having now listened to the BBC interview yes what I said was unfair on Watson.
Needing to do a reset after the first league game of the season is far from idle. A period of calm after the chaos of the closed season is imperative now. A couple of wins will do that.
One clear sign from yesterday for me is that we need more quality in the squad. This reality check has happened early enough in the season for us to remedy the quality before the transfer window closes.
UTD |
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Reply | Refwatch - Newport County v Rochdale
at 17:20 15 Aug 2026
Oh dear the only thing that went right for me today was that Sky+ was constantly buffering. Saw about 45 seconds of the game. A blessed relief.
Watched the highlights which was basically Bilongo getting sent off. Listened to the post match interview, worrying. I once worked for a manager who when an issue was raised would say “I’ll deal with that”. Without having a grasp the situation or considered any solutions. Maybe IW is related to him. Got no sense of embarrassment about the performance and, Nothing at all about letting down the travelling fans. That can’t be right.
My refrain in the off season was the need to recruit solid experienced players at the EFL . Today has re enforced that view. How does a team go from a never say die winning mentality to not winning any game so far this season. Some people need to stand up and be counted in the dressing room and on the pitch. Josh Lillis could have a significant role here. If he is willing and allowed to stick his hand up.
Was going to travel up for the return of EFL football to Spotland, but not sure I fancy the journey when currently I have little hope or expectation.
Come on lads lift us all up next Saturday. |
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Reply | Dale Set To Sign Adeeko?
at 13:07 14 Aug 2026
Note he needed surgery On a bad hamstring tear which limited his appearances last season. I am hoping he got a full pre season in with Wigan and will be fit to start contributing straight away. He was announced early.and was interviewed at the training ground so presume he will get registered in time for the weekend. Would like to see him at least on the bench against Newport. |
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Reply | Dale Set To Sign Adeeko?
at 09:10 14 Aug 2026
If it comes off this is the type of signing I was hoping for. Plenty of L1 experience for a player of his age. On paper this represents a real upgrade. Fingers crossed. |
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Thread | Training Day - Open to the public
at 13:50 13 Aug 2026
See the club announcement. Yet another indication that the club is extending its reach to the paying public. Done during the school holiday and with refreshments available.
Under some of the regime’s, both board and team management such as thought would never have crossed their minds, let alone be actioned.
Well done all involved. |
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Reply | Rochdale Lg 2 Finish position - board predictions and comments
at 15:34 11 Aug 2026
I’ll go 17th. The start of the campaign has been horrific in terms of injuries. Plus in my opinion we are a couple of players light in terms of well experienced efl players. Those combined have dampened my enthusiasm.
Anything above a “sweat inducing 20th” will be OK |
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Reply | Bradford (Park Avenue) v Rochdale 1969
at 09:01 10 Aug 2026
I have never almost felt a sense of shame support Rochdale during the re election struggles. I don’t think others did either. So can agree with the chap in the early minutes of the piece.
It was a real hard job for managers in the lower reaches of the game back then. Although their modern counter parts get less time to turn things around. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Bradford City v Rochdale (Carabao Cup Round 1)
at 22:20 8 Aug 2026
I’d be shocked if Watson did know his preferred starting eleven at this stage, he had seven players unavailable today and the league hasn’t even started yet.
Sherring hasn’t had a full pre season and if either Maguire or Beckwith were fit he wouldn’t be starting at this stage of the season.
Give the man and squad a chance to settle.
UTD |
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Reply | I know things take time....
at 17:26 6 Aug 2026
Brown has an interesting profile. A reasonably amount of Championship and L1 appearances at a relatively young, and a stint at Gateshead without finding the net on a regular basis. Clearly different people have seen potential in his talent. Hopefully we can realise that potential and he can make a significant contribution.
May not be the experienced lower league goalscorer that I wish we could have pulled out of a hat. But I do see why we moved for him. The management team know him and think he can do a job for us. That’s good enough for me.
Welcome Dajaune. |
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Reply | For Generations to Come
at 13:54 5 Aug 2026
My dad moved from Castleton to Southend to try and avoid National Service (it didn’t work by the way), so that tells you how long ago that was. The most enjoyable Xmas present I ever got him was a subscription to the Rochdale Observer, it kept him connected and reflected his pride in his roots.
I am my father’s son and although born is Southend I feel strongly connected to Rochdale so this is a no brainer for me. Absolutely excellent concept. We are in the mists of a real revival in Rochdale. Just wish my Dad could was still here to see it. |
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