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Let's give Dale a helping hand

Damon Wilkinson
16/ 5/2008

THE Rochdale Observer will be be giving Keith Hill and the Rochdale side a helping hand during Saturday's crunch play-off semi-final with Darlington.

We are giving away hundreds of souvenir foam hands at the ground in return for a donation to our Springhill Hospice appeal (click here for more on the appeal).

Fan John Conway, aged 17, has no doubts where he’ll be on Bank Holiday Monday.

He said: "Wembley is looming large. We’re going to win 2-0, definitely. Keith Hill and David Flitcroft have done a top job."

Council leader Alan Taylor threw his weight behind the team. He said: "It would be very fitting for Rochdale to get to Wembley in their centenary year and if they get promoted it will be a fantastic boost for the town."

Council worker Mick Wystawnola will be at Spotland cheering on the players.

He said: "The manager has been a revelation, everything he has done has been fantastic, and the team are playing really well.

"I think if they go up the town will go from strength to strength and hopefully the Hornets will follow too."

Littleborough lad and Channel M sports reporter Jamie Watson, aged 25, also sung the praises of Keith Hill.

He said: "If they play like they did in the second half against Darlington then I think they have a great chance."

THE Shameless will be drumming up funds for Springhill Hospice with the sale of their new single at the match. Time to Believe, the winning Observer football anthem, is now on sale in the Spotland Club Shop.

The band successfully fought off competition winning an online vote to record their Dale anthem and support Rochdale AFC on the road to Wembley.

A percentage of the profits made from sales of the CD or download will be donated to Springhill Hospice. There is also a digital version available online from www.mostlytoast.co.uk