Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme — The Voice of Spotland — is back for Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against Carlisle United.

The programme took a break during the behind closed doors 2020/21 campaign, but has returned this season with 76 jam-packed pages to keep readers completely informed and entertained.

TVOS starts with a front cover image of defender Paul Downing, who has made a big impression on fans after joining on loan from Portsmouth last month.

Manager Robbie Stockdale reflects on the Transfer Window and Tuesday’s draw at Colchester, while Countdown to Kick-Off praises the manager’s pre-match comments before Dale played Oldham last Saturday.

After that we have a host of features, including:

SHIRT NUMBERS, HEAVEN & HELL — A feature looking at players who wore shirt numbers that didn’t suit their position in 2003/04

COVER STAR — Looking at when a former Dale player appeared on the front cover of another club’s programme. This time it’s Grant Holt, whose hometown is Carlisle, who are Saturday’s opponents.

ON THIS DAY — What were Dale doing in the past on 5th February?

100 YEARS IN THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE — Part 12 of a comprehensive feature looking back at Dale’s debut season in the Football League 100 years ago.

DALES OF THE UNEXPECTED — Part one of a tale about a trip to Mansfield that proved to be a wasted journey

We have our regular League Two round-up and opinion pages from Brian Quigley and Scrutator.

New contributor Dave Pearson brings us his first column with a look back at the Dale career of Aaron Morley, while Charlotte and Isabelle continue to bring us the female perspective in The Dale Way.

Action photos appear from the games against Hartlepool and Bristol Rovers, while Ryan Bradley and Nicola McCormack bring readers news from the Rochdale AFC Community Trust.

Jay Lynch reveals who is the best opponent he has played against and we have our regular historical pages looking at Dale’s results in this week in the past.

Carlisle United aren’t left out and get plenty of coverage, which includes a look at which players have appeared and scored most often when the teams have met.

All this and much, much more will be in Saturday’s The Voice of Spotland, on sale in the Club Shop and around the ground, priced £3.00.

Photo: Action Images

Rochdale Polls