DEAN SMITH
@ Rochdaleafccom
Last season was far more important off the field than on it. Thankfully we managed to see off a self- confessed ‘ hostile takeover’ attempt. The big talking point is whether boss Robbie Stockdale [ below] can do better in the transfer market with a bigger budget and no embargo. This season will be different because there’ll be more pressure on Stockdale to deliver in his second season. The thing my club really gets right is bringing back the family- friendly feel. The new board have had a brilliant first year. The fans are the owners and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
I won’t be happy unless we can be more flexible. Sticking to a back three when it patently wasn’t working was so frustrating to watch last season.
Fans think our ground is ideal for the size of our club.
The active player I’d love to have
back is Craig Dawson. I would shed actual tears if he ever came home.
Our key player will be Luke Charman. He’s had several months to settle into Football League life now. We’ll need him to start finding the net consistently from the get- go this year.
Look out for Ethan Brierley, who finally got some minutes at the end of last season. He’s going to have a big future.
The player I’d happily drive to
another club is Aidy White – although his departure might leave the physios twiddling their thumbs.
I’m least looking forward to playing
Stockport. We spent a good few years mocking their non- league status, so I fear they’ll be back with a vengeance.
The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is very split. He seems a likeable bloke and is refreshingly honest, but he was so rigid tactically last term and we appeared fearful away from home. If he left, he should be replaced by
Tony Ellis, who’s done a fine job with Dale’s youngsters. The one change I’d make would be to put away supporters in the Sandy Lane End, creating a better atmosphere elsewhere in the ground. The opposition player I’d love here is
Swindon’s Harry Mckirdy. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. We’ll finish 18th.
FFT VERDICT
21ST
External recognition can do only so much for a fanbase when their team finishes 18th after dropping a division; Dale must turn plaudits into points. Toumani Diagouraga adds midfield flair but Charman, Tahvon Campbell and Devante Rodney all need to be more clinical.