Keith Hill says Dale are a formidable force

Easter Eggstravaganza at Spotland Stadium

With nine games remaining Keith Hill says Dale are in a positive place and a formidable force for any team in League One when turning out performances like they have been doing recently.

He was speaking ahead of a busy Easter weekend, which sees Rochdale host Southend United on Good Friday before making the trip to the DW Stadium to face Wigan Athletic on Easter Monday.

Dale go into Friday’s game top of the League One form guide having lost just once in their last eight games, having accumulated a magnificent 17 points from an available 24 points.

Hill says he's very pleased with the recent return of points and says there will be a massive ambition to continue picking up points between now and the end of the season.

“It’s about managing that success. It’s also about making sure that there’s no complacency and that we continue to try and strive to be as successful. That’s our aim from now until the end of the season.

“We’ve got nine games remaining and we’re in a positive place - we’re very much looking up. I’m really pleased with the current form that we’re in. The players have stood up and are definitely being counted.

“I think we’re a match for anyone on any given matchday when we’re performing like we are doing at this moment in time.”

And Hill says the squad is in a good place going into Friday’s fixture against Southend United.

“We’ve had a good week’s training and it has been enjoyable, there’s no question about it, but there’s no other type of enjoyment than after a week’s training than a winning week.

“Winning at the weekend and winning on Monday, that’s our purpose and that’s our intent every time we put a strip on and turn up on a matchday.

The Shrimpers have made no secret that they have their sights set on a play-off place, and with Dale just a point behind Phil Brown’s side in the division, it makes for an interesting and exciting Friday.

“Everybody talks about the play-offs but there has got to be realism an realistic expectations,” said Hill.

“If you’re looking at it, I would suggest that they [Southend] have got an outside chance, not an inside chance, probably along with ourselves, but who knows. This weekend will probably turn up a lot of answers.

Keith Hill is pleased with Dale's recent return of points and looking forward to the Easter weekend fixtures.

Good Friday Fixture

Rochdale v ersusSouthend United, Spotland Stadium, 3pm Kick Off

Fans can pay on the day for tomorrow's Good Friday fixture versus Southend United.

There will be a visit from the Easter Bunny to keep the little ones entertained.

Junior tickets are £5 for 16s and under.

Injury Update: Andrew, Lund and Noble-Lazarus

Manager Keith Hill has revealed that Calvin Andrew is currently ahead of schedule in his recovery from ligament damage and should be back in training in around a week's time.

He has also confirmed that Matty Lund and Reuben Noble-Lazarus will be out of action for the next ten to 12 days.

Hill said: "Calvin should be getting back on the training pitch at the end of next week (Friday), so he’s ahead of schedule.

“Lundy has a hamstring problem and is still very sore. It’s probably going to be another 10 to 12 days before he’s back in training. He's probably going to be available for the last six games.

“That [timescale] is the same for Reuben who has got a hip problem.”

Easter Monday
Wigan Athletic versus Rochdale
DW Stadium, 1.30pm Kick Off

Tickets will be available to purchase from the RAFC ticket office until 12noon on Good Friday and then again after the game.

Ticket prices:
Adults - £20
Over 65s - £17
Under 18s - £10
Under 11s - £5
Under 5s - £2

Fans will also be able to pay on the day at the DW Stadium, but some admission prices rise on match day should you pay cash through the turnstiles. Over 65s rise to £20 and under 5s rise to £5.

Note, if you buy from the Wigan Athletic ticket office on the day then prices remain the same as the advanced sale prices.


Last Chance To Pick Up A Dale Easter Egg

Pay a visit to the club shop and pick up a Dale Easter egg mug gift sets priced at £7.99 each.

The set comes with a milk chocolate Easter egg and a Rochdale AFC branded mug.

An Egg-cellent gift for Easter Sunday.

Keith Hill 400 Games Presentation

Chairman Chris Dunphy will be presenting Keith Hill with a commemorative gift before kick-off at Friday's game to celebrate his 400 games in charge at Dale.

The presentation will be made on the pitch at around 2.50pm. 

Hill marked his 400th game in charge with a win over Oldham Athletic last weekend.