KEITH HILL has called for some loyalty as the club look to tie up contracts for Tom Kennedy and Adam Rundle.

Will Buckley was poised to sign a new deal as the Observer went to press and negotiations are ongoing with Kennedy and Rundle.

"We want to reward the lads who did well for us last season and at the same time I feel we deserve a bit of loyalty from those players," said Hill. "They want to be successful – we all want success – myself, Dave Flitcroft and the players. By keeping this squad together we can achieve that success, but that calls for some loyalty."

Of Tuesday’s friendly at Spotland against Stockport, Hill said: "To be honest it turned into a bit of a damp squib and the game was not played at the tempo we normally operate at. That said, there were some good passages of play from both teams."

Last night’s game against Bolton was a journey into the unknown, as the Dale boss said: "I don’t know what to expect from the Bolton game. I have been assured they are bringing a strong team, but as opponents they bear little significance to what we are trying to do this season because we are poles apart. This is a money-spinning game and the chance to get some funds into the club and we thank Bolton for coming along."

Hill is convinced the squad are in a much better condition physically and mentally than last season.

"Statistically, we are in a much stronger position than we were this time last year. The players have a greater understanding and are reaping the rewards from the sports science incorporated in our preparations."

Having played Bolton in the final pre-season home match last night, Dale travel to Northwich Victoria this afternoon.