Rochdale vs Wycombe match preview – The Drive For Fans

Rochdale AFC logo

Rochdale Chairman Chris Dunphy said this week that Dale fans were the best in the world, and this Saturday, when Dale face Wycombe (3pm), they have a chance to underline that statement. Supporters rallied at Spotland during the week, working through the night to try and get Tuesday night’s game against Notts County on, and although their efforts were in vain, it was a fine example that the fans are there for the club when it needs them.

Tomorrow afternoon, when supporters enter the ground, they will be greeted by a fellow fan and from that moment on they will have the chance become Rochdale AFC’s official SuperFan for 2008.

A fan will be on hand at the turnstile to hand over a booklet of vouchers, each of which will permit the bearer to entry to next Saturday’s game against Chesterfield for £10, anywhere in the ground. Full instructions will be provided with the vouchers and from there the race begins.

All supporters have to do is write their contact details on the back of their vouchers and give them to people who they think will come to the Chesterfield game. After that game the vouchers will be counted and the person who got the most people into Spotland for the game will be crowned SuperFan.

Here is the full list of the benefits that SuperFan will enjoy:

1. Your very own squad number
   You're part of the squad. You'll be listed on the squad list in the programme, you'll have your own player profile on the websites, and you'll even get listed in opposition programmes as a member of the squad.
   
   
2. Your place in next season's official team photo
   If you're a member of the squad, then it's only right that you get to take your place in the official squad photo. That same photo will be featured in all official press releases, the club posters, in matchday programmes etc. You're in the squad, so you get treated like a squad member.
   
   
3. Matchday Mascot
   As Super Fan, you'll be entitled to nominate someone to be one of the matchday mascots next season. You can make one youngster's dreams come true by getting them to lead Dale out for one game next season.
   
   
4. Squad Shirt Presentation
   You will be the guest of Rochdale manager Keith Hill and assistant David Flitcroft, who will invite you as Super Fan to come down to Spotland to be presented with your very own shirt, complete with your very own name and number on the back in a private ceremony.
   
   
5. Be Wined and Dined
   The matchday hospitality at Spotland has won many plaudits over the past couple of seasons, and as part of your prize you will receive a free meal for two at the club's own restaurant before a League game of your choice so that the club can wine and dine the Super Fan in the manner in which they should expect for a supporter of such status.
   
   
6. The Crowning Ceremony
   As the fan who has brought in the most number of supporters to the Chesterfield game, it will only be right that the supporters can show their appreciation, and during the Accrington game you will be presented to the supporters on the pitch so that they can acknowledge your achievement.
   
   
7. Be Sponsored
   You've brought in the most amount of supporters, which will hopefully see increased match revenue for the football club. But given that you're part of the squad, you can raise even more funds, as you'll be open to Sponsorship in the matchday programme like the rest of the squad.
   
   
8. Your very own throne
   We want to treat the Super Fan as a king, so it's only right that the winning supporter will be given a free season ticket for the end of their choice: Sandy Lane, WMG or Main Stand. And if you choose a seated area, you're seat will be reserved in your name with a little plaque on it to indicate that it is the seat of the Super Fan 2008.
   
   
9. Free entry to the Players' lounge
   Your prize will entitle you to free entry to the Players' Lounge before and after every single game next season. See all the Man of the Match presentations, and mingle with the attending players.
   
   
10. Your own parking spot
    Parking is not easy near Spotland, especially with all the new supporters that the Super Fan is bringing to the game. So you'll be given a free Car Park pass for the entire season.
    
    
11. Free programme for every game
    The award winning Voice of Spotland has become an essential part of the matchday experience at Spotland, with it regularly being commented on as the best matchday programme in the country. As Super Fan, you'll get a free programme for every game during the season.
    
    
12. Superfan 2008 username for this website
    You will be granted the username SuperFan2008 for use on the unofficial website, www.rochdaleafc.com. It's already been registered, and the winning supporter will be handed the username and password as soon as he or she is announced as the winner.
    
    
13. Free Supporters Trust Membership
    The Trust has stepped in and said that whoever wins the Super Fan award will be granted free Trust membership for the 2008-9 season, and can have a piece of Trust merchandise of their choice for free.