Civic Reception for Rochdale Football Club

Dale players and officials arrive at the Town Hall for the Civic Reception

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The Town Hall was the magnificent setting for a Civic Reception for Rochdale Football Club, commemorating their centenary year and their valiant effort in the League Two play off final at Wembley on Monday (26 May).

With hundreds of well wishers lined up outside the front of the Town Hall, the players and officials from the club arrived at just before 6pm in three coaches and disembarked to rapturous applause from the rain soaked supporters.

The players and coaching staff then made an appearance on the balcony with Manager Keith Hill speaking to the crowd and promising that having missed out narrowly this season has whetted the club's appetite to go one better next season.

Back inside, Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker formally opened proceedings with a short speech in which he said the club had "done the town proud". Chairman Chris Dunphy and club director Andrew Kelly also spoke before Manager Keith Hill was asked to introduce each member of his squad.

The formalities over the food and drink followed as the palters and coaching staff mingled with the invited guests, happily signing autographs, posing for photos and conducting media interviews.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: “We were very proud to receive our players in a Civic Reception tonight. Keith Hill and the lads have been quite frankly tremendous. This wasn’t just a night to celebrate Keith Hill and the lads’ achievements but their contribution over 100 years of commitment to our town.

When I came up with the idea for this special commemoration to our Club, it was to celebrate their achievements over 100 years including our contribution to our community. Their achievements over the last year have been fantastic! If there is one man who speaks volumes for our town it’s Keith Hill.

Our young team is the envy of every lower division club. Keith Hill has my nomination for our ‘Man of the Year’.

"I am proud to be a Rochdalian, proud to go to Wembley and proud to sponsor the team that has made such a difference to our town.

"I would like to praise Chris Dunphy, our Chairman alongside unsung heroes like Stuart Ashworth, the club's PR man.”

On a night when political rivalries were put to one side, Simon Danczuk, Rochdale’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate, agreed saying: “The civic reception for Rochdale AFC was a great way to mark the contribution they have made to our town. There’s no doubt the club and its supporters help promote our town throughout the UK. The coverage on Sky Sport in the run-up to Wembley, and the coverage on national radio and TV, adds significantly to our town’s profile. The club provides a sporting focus and brings economic and social benefits, we need to do all we can to continue to support our club.”