Soccer club’s initiative is being rewarded

I WAS at the Crown Oil Arena last week for the Rochdale versus Oldham Athletic match.

It was a great occasion and fantastic to see the ground busy on what was a good day for the club.

They were able to dispatch their local rivals 1-0 to make it three derby victories in three in little over a month, also beating Bury and Bolton, a remarkable achievement!

The hospitality at the stadium was second to none and the guys at The Quirky Catering Co, a local firm who operate out of the Flying Horse Hotel in the town centre, provided a wonderful pre-match meal.

I joked with the Mayor, Coun Ray Dutton, his huge gold chain must be a good luck charm for the team, as every time he attends they seem to triumph.

I have to say it is great Rochdale AFC had the initiative and ambition to secure ownership of the Crown Oil Arena earlier this year and secure professional sport in the town for generations to come. I have it on good authority the relationship between the football club and Rochdale Hornets whom share use of the stadium has never been better and it is great to see the stability has allowed both teams to progress both on and off the pitch.

The commercial benefits of owning the stadium have allowed Rochdale AFC to give the place some much needed TLC and it has never looked better.

I noticed that the club have launched a £100 half season ticket as well, this represents excellent value for money and I think it is great that the people of Rochdale are able to watch a high standard of football at this price.