Spanish Dale fan to see final game at home ground after fans raise money for visit

Jesús Sánchez

A Spanish Rochdale AFC fan is heading to the UK for the team’s final game of the season after fans raised money for his visit.

Jesús Sánchez, also known under the moniker ‘Spanish Dale’, is such a fan of the team, he had a shirt specially made last season with his name on it. 

He came to support Rochdale through a Fifa game and will be leaving Spain for the first time ever on Friday (4 May) to watch the season finale against Charlton, which will be broadcast on Sky Sports.

In order to avoid relegation, Rochdale need to better rival Oldham’s result against Northampton.  

In the Fifa game, Jesús had wanted to play with a team from the last league in to UK, playing all the way to the Premier League and winning everything. Ever since, he has played as the Spotland team at least once and followed the team on the internet.  

Of his upcoming visit, Jesús said: "I feel very excited, nervous and very happy."

Last year fans rallied together to raise almost £500 so the 26-year-old could see his favourite club play on their home turf.

Jesús has also been able to follow games online, thanks to the generosity of the fans.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/111220/dale-fans-fund-first-trip-for-jesús-sánchez-to-see-club-play

The idea came from Jonny Beckett and Darren Roy, two fellow Rochdale fans who had been chatting with Jesús. Jesús will be staying with Jonny for the duration of his trip.

A spokesperson for Rochdale AFC said: “As a club, we think it’s an absolutely fantastic gesture – the generosity shown by supporters to contribute towards this fund has been amazing. It epitomises what Team Rochdale is all about.

“It is great to see how passionate Jesús is about Rochdale Football Club, despite living in Spain. It’s obvious he loves all things Dale.

“We are looking forward to welcoming him to the Crown Oil Arena for the first time this Saturday, and we hope he enjoys his day to remember.”