Kennedy looking forward to derby

Dale defender Tom Kennedy says it was a massive achievement for Dale to confirm their place in the Play Off's on Saturday. He said: "At the start of the season we set that as an achievable target for ourselves whilst deep down hoping that we could compete with the top three. To have achieved our first target after having had so many problems at the start of the season has been fantastic.

"There are still six points to play for and though we would probably have to rely on Hereford and Stockport slipping up the opportunity is still there to get into the top three and whilst it is there we will all be giving it our very best shot.

"Obviously the game at Gigg Lane on Saturday is a big one for myself personally. I did my apprenticeship there and then spent four years as a professional so I made a lot of friends in my time at the club and it will certainly be a little strange going into the away dressing room.

"I am sure that it it will be an unbelievable atmosphere and we all come into the game hoping for days like this. From what I can gather we will be taking over 2000 fans to the game and that support means so much to us. It is hard to put into words just how important our travelling support is but to know that those people have turned out in numbers all over the country shows the great love that they have for the club. Those fans have helped us to win so many games on the road this season and I would like to thank each and every one of them. We will need them behind us again on Saturday and I am sure that they will be.

"There were times when we struggled at home that the fans who didn't travel must have wondered how we were doing so well on the road but still they turned out at far flung places getting cold and wet and stuck by us. It is credit to the lads in the team obviously but the effect of the travelling support has never been underestimated in the dressing room.

"It will be a little strange and stressful for my family and I am sure that I will be getting more than my fair share of stick from the home supporters but I will be taking it on the chin and looking to get on with my job. My dad and the rest of my family understand that but it might be little difficult for them when the abuse starts flying."