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We’re ready for promotion

by Richard Partington
6/ 5/2008

DALE chairman Chris Dunphy has dispelled the long-standing myth that suggests the Spotland outfit cannot afford promotion – by insisting a rise up the Football League ranks is essential.

"This club is absolutely ready for the step up," said Mr Dunphy. "One thing I’ve been sick of hearing is the idea Rochdale cannot afford to get promoted. The finances of football are changing and it’s absolutely essential we get promoted, not just for the town but for our financial stability in the future. Now is the time to move forward.

"It might have been the case in the past that people here did not want us to go up, but not so any more. Ever since Keith Hill took charge it has been our goal to get promoted and we want to do well in the next division."

Dale travel to Darlington on Saturday for the first play-off semi-final (kick off 5.35pm). The return leg at Spotland takes place on Saturday 17 May (12noon kick off). The Quakers are sure to provide tough opposition, but Dale will venture up to the north east full of confidence having taken four points off Dave Penney’s men this season.

Victory over the two legs would set up a showcase final at Wembley against either Stockport or Wycombe, a prospect Mr Dunphy relishes.

"For the town itself, this is massive," he said. I’ve been a supporter for more than 40 years, I was here the last time Rochdale got promoted, we’ve never been to Wembley and our supporters deserve their day in the sunshine – I’d be delighted if we could take the town to Wembley."

Expectations are sky high – but that’s nothing new for manager Hill.

"I think the season in general has been round about what we expected – it has been a successful season," added Mr Dunphy. "We raised the bar last year and expectations were high. We got off to a bit of a slow start this time but everyone stood by their beliefs and it paid dividends.

"The fitness of this young side is incredible and that shows up when you look at the number of goals we’ve scored and points we’ve picked up in the last five or 10 minutes of matches. Our form over the last nine or 10 games of the season has been terrific and we’ve been bouncing."

Off the pitch it has been another difficult year with several postponements costing the club dear. A day out at Wembley would put Dale ahead in financial terms.

"It’s been a very difficult season, a costly season," said Mr Dunphy. "We’ll have pulled a rabbit out of the hat if we can get to Wembley because it would probably mean we make a profit on the season. It has been difficult, but we always expect it to be. The manager has got ambitions and we have to try to help him achieve those ambitions, which is a costly process, particularly when we’re only getting gates around the 3,000 mark."

Tickets for the play-offs went on sale yesterday (Tuesday) at the club. Dale’s official Travel Club will depart Spotland at 2pm on Saturday (£15 adults, £12 concessions). For booking call 0870 822 1907.