Dale putting faith in home-grown talent
ROCHDALE manager Keith Hill insists he will always put his faith in young players after the club were named one of the best in the country at giving young players game time.
Dale are back in action today (Saturday) when they travel to Sixfields Stadium to take on Northampton Town.
Hill’s men go into the game sitting in the playoffs, currently occupying fifth place after an impressive start to the campaign.
Rochdale’s success has coincided with Hill continuing to give opportunities to young players coming There has got to be that academy players at Premier through the ranks at slow introduction, continuity League clubs who the club. and consistency. are getting no exposure
His faith in the youngsters “That is what we have and understanding. has seen Dale recognised done over a period of time “A lot of the academy with the EFL; figures as we give young players players of Premier League showing that they are opportunities, not just to clubs at a similar age are ranked fourth out of the 72 make their debut but to getting hefty pay packets clubs for league appearances see if they can have sustainability just based on potential made by players within a team that may never be realised under 21 this season. and get integrated within because they don’t get
Hill is happy to keep the senior players. their opportunity.” putting faith in the young “As a coach and manager, A victory for Rochdale players, and believes they it’s important that over Northampton this have what it takes to surpass you teach the players but weekend could see Dale some of the youth at ultimately you are putting go level on points against Premier League clubs. your trust in them. fourth-placed Bradford,
“It’s brilliant from our “You want them to though a defeat for Hill’s perspective to be recognised repay that, not just to me men may result in them because we are but to the senior players dropping out of the playoff already doing what the times to bring through the to it. as well. places. EFL now wants us to do,” youth and play them, but “For me, a youth player “A lot of these young Dale head into the he said. for a lot of clubs I don’t making one appearance players will go on to do match on the back of their “We are told many think there has been sustainability isn’t the end product. better in the game than impressive 3-2 win over
Published by MEN Media, Mitchell Henry House, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, OL9 8EF. Printed by Mirror Colour Printers (Oldham) Ltd, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8EB league leaders Scunthorpe United at the Crown Oil Arena last weekend, while 13th-placed Northampton ended a four match losing streak when they won 3-2 away from home against Port Vale.