Stronger, fitter squad for Dale
KEITH Hill expects his team to go the full distance this season after conceding a number of late goals last term.
The Rochdale boss insists he’s working with a much fitter and stronger group of players than 12 months ago, and is confident his side will reap the benefits in the closing stages of games.
‘Let’s see what they’ve got this season.This group is stronger’
“Last season we didn’t score anywhere near the amount of goals we have done in past seasons, which has got us our success. So from an attacking point of view, the team has got to be better,” he said.
“But from an individual point of view we are fitter mentally and physically, so the ball moves more in training and on matchdays.
“This group is a lot fitter. Last season, where I was holding everybody back to safeguard availability on matchdays and we were found wanting going into the last twenty minutes of games, I don’t think we’ll be in that situation this season because the group is fitter.
“The data we are getting back is miles better.
“I think some players plateaued out last season and one or two got sucked into feeling sorry for themselves when Jamie Allen, Matty Lund, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Peter Vincenti left. I just think it was hard for the players to continue overachieving. Let’s see what they’ve got this season – the group is stronger, no question about that.”
Dale were scheduled to finish their pre-season fixtures with a trip to FC United on Manchester last night, having beaten Tranmere Rovers 3-1 at Prenton Park at the weekend.
Their League One campaign kicks off against Burton Albion on Saturday at the Pirelli Stadium.
The first home game comes a week later, Saturday 11 August, when Peterborough are the visitors to the Crown Oil Arena.