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Champion Bob recovering after penalty drama

20/ 5/2008

A DEVOTED Dale fan is recovering after collapsing at the end of Saturday’s triumph over Darlington.

Bob Herdman, 74, was taken to hospital when he became short of breath celebrating the historic win that takes Rochdale to Wembley on Bank Holiday Monday.

After fans spilled on to the pitch to congratulate players, the great-grandfather had to be given oxygen by paramedics.

He was taken to Rochdale Infirmary where he was later given the all-clear.

"I just got too excited," said Mr Herdman, of Richard Street. "All those years waiting for it to happen, I couldn’t get my breath."

The retired labourer has been a fan for over 30 years when he first started going to Spotland with his sons.

Over the years he has raised money for the club and for Rochdale Infirmary by being sponsored on walks to matches.

He has walked as far as Blackpool and only ever missed around three games.

"I’ve seen them down at the bottom and now I’ve seen them get to Wembley," he said.

But despite having survived three heart attacks and suffering with angina, he is determined to go to Wembley to see the big match against Stockport County.

He will be joined by four of his sons, a daughter-in-law and four of his grandchildren.

"I’ll have to calm down a little!" he added.