Ball bounces back for Dale pre-season

JAMES Ball believes Rochdale stand a ‘real chance’ of success in the 2022/23 League Two campaign after the squad returned for preseason training this week.

Ball made a great start to his Dale career in the new year before an injury curtailed his season in March.

But having run the rule over Dale’s four new signings so far – goalkeeper Richard O’donnell, defender Ethan EbanksLandell, striker Devante Rodney and defensive midfielder Toumani Diagouraga – Ball reckons

Robbie Stockdale’s team can be among the contenders in the top half of the table this time round.

The midfield man suggested Stockdale’s recruitment drive was not finished yet and is looking forward to welcoming more new arrivals.

“I was looking forward to seeing who we’d recruit over the summer because I am really looking forward to this season – I think with the right additions we have a real chance of success,” he said.

“It’s always strange coming into a changing room where you were used to seeing people who aren’t there any more, but that’s football. We’ve still got a good group and the team chemistry is good. I’d imagine there will be a few more new faces coming in and they will be welcomed by everybody.”

Ball and his team-mates are keen to erase memories of a tough campaign last time out and he outlined the ambitions for the squad and on a personal level.

“For the team, it’s to be as high up the table as we can be,” he said. “I think everyone is aware we were disappointed with how last season went, everyone was really disappointed with where we finished because the squad we had and the way that we played deserved more. But we write that one off as one of those seasons.

“For me, the aim is to try and pick up from where I left off before getting injured. Score some goals, put in some good performances and try to keep the fans happy.

“It was a good start (to his Dale career) and it was really frustrating to get injured, especially in that way I did – I didn’t think it was anything serious and then the scan showed it would be a long-term injury. I spoke with the staff and it was a big thing for me to get ready for the start of pre-season so that I can be up to scratch with everybody else.

“I’m excited to do the running and to get fit.”

The squad returned on Wednesday and Ball revealed some of the work undertaken.

“We did some testing in the gym just to check where everyone’s up to and then came out and did a Yo-yo test, which wasn’t pleasant but it’s only twenty minutes of hard work, so it’s not the worst,” he said.

“It’s really good to be back. Obviously it’s nice to have a break and switch off from football but by the end of the summer everyone is missing it, so I’m excited to be back and looking forward to the season ahead.”