Reset switch is crucial for Dale
CHARLTON Athletic provide the opposition today as Rochdale start a run of four successive home fixtures.
Keith Hill’s side face the Addicks this afternoon and Luton Town next Saturday. Then it’s Leicester City under 21s on Wednesday 7th November before the Emirates FA Cup first round tie against Gateshead on Saturday 10th.
Dale’s 2-0 win at Bradford last weekend was followed by a 3-0 midweek defeat at Wycombe Wanderers and boss Hill will be looking for his side to respond better should they concede first in any of the forthcoming home games.
“We can’t seem to press the reset button as a group of players or individually,” said Hill.
“We had some sterling performances on Saturday at Bradford and we made one tactical change, which was the right tactical change to make with respect to the opposition.
“But the first goal was a poor goal and then it’s an uphill task. I’m disappointed, but the players have got to press the reset button. They can’t let one goal become two, or two become three.
“We were having some good sustainable pressure in the second half through possession, whereas in the first half we had players running out of position instead of using their brain. We forgot our brain a little bit but I will certainly reset and we’ll go again on Saturday.
“Saturday is another big game, like every game is. I’m looking for consistency in performance, and that’s the disappointment.”
Hill said players must earn their place in the starting line-up while those coming on from the bench must make positive impacts.
“There is always something to salvage and achieve, no matter what the scoreline, and you what to see that reflected in the way that the players perform,” he said.
“I just felt we went a bit DIY and I don’t expect us to do that. Players have got to earn the shirt – I am still giving players opportunities when I’m not too sure if they are earning it.
“I expect big appearances from substitutes as well – it’s about making an impact, it’s an opportunity. Regardless of the scoreline, I am looking for players to do their jobs and I don’t think we quite got that.”
Hill is also concerned about how his squad are performing on long trips involving overnight stays.
“I can’t remember the last time we won away from home having travelled overnight,” he said. “It just doesn’t seem to be a good fit for us. These fixtures should not be arranged for a Tuesday night. I can’t for the life of me think why we are not playing on a Saturday. With the expense it brings to the football club in trying to do the right thing, maybe we should just travel on the day.”
The Dale chief was impressed by the number of travelling Dale fans and was disappointed his side couldn’t build on the win at Bradford.
“They are loyal supporters, loyal fans and they deserve every credit they get,” he said.
“I support them, I enjoy what they do for us. But it’s disappointing that we failed to kick on from Saturday’s performance and Saturday’s vigour, passion and willingness to stop the opponent scoring. It seemed a little bit bitty and like ‘it we should be okay because we did well on Saturday’, but you have to turn up with your work bag, first and foremost, and when we you come to places like this, it’s very important.”