Make sure Dale don’t hurt us again

New Posh manager Grant McCann wants the hurt from last season’s opening day defeat at Rochdale to motivate his team on Saturday. Posh went down 2-0 at Spotland 12 months ago following a dismal display which set the tone for Dave Robertson’s brief spell as manager.

McCann is a big fan of the work done by Dale boss Keith Hill on a limited budget, but hebelieves his side needto lay down a marker of their own this time around.

“We were very disappointing at Rochdale last season,” McCann admitted. “We deservedtolose, althoughtheresult mighthavebeendifferent had Joe Gormley not missed a good chance to make it 1-1.

“The result started Rochdale out on a good season. They gained confidence from beating us and they kept it going for most of the campaign.

“That’s what we aim to do this season. We didn’t play that well when we won 1-0 at Rochdale on the opening day of the previous season, but we battledtogetaresultandwent on to win a few games.

“It is a long season, but a good start is important and that’s whatIwillinstill into the players before kick-off.

“It hurt us to play so badly last seasonandwecan’tafford a repeat performance.

“I’m confident we can get theresultwewant, butitwon’t be an easy game.

“Rochdale are exceptionally well run and managed. They make great signings for League One every season and they will be organised and tough to beat.

“It’s as tough an opening gameaswecouldhave, but we go there in good shape and in good spirits.”

Unless he’s played out an elaborate bluff, McCann’s initial starting line-up is easy to predict.

His one issue might be perming two from Gwion Edwards, Jermaine Anderson and Leo Da Silva Lopes for the slots in front of skipper Chris Forrester in a midfield diamond.

Jack Baldwin looks to have edged out Michael Bostwick for the central defensive role alongside new signing Ryan Tafazolli, while Paul Taylor and Shaquile Coulthirst look set to start up front.

McCann added: “One or two places are still under discussion, butinmyheadIknow my team.

“Some players will be disappointed, but it’s a long seasonandwewillneedeveryone at some stage.”