2025/26 So Close to The Promised Land for The Dale
It was always going to be a big ask for a bunch of cast off youngesters to defy the odds but my Rochdale team always have defied the odds. Promotion to the Premiership was within touching distance right up until the last game against Norwich. Indeed it was a winner takes all game with 2nd place on the line. Unfortunately it was a game to far. It started so well with club topscorer Etete home fans into ectasy after just 2 minutes. Leading still at half time the fans were daring to dream of trips to Anfield, Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge. Then came the second half and a rude awaking by Carlos Vincius once more (he had scored twice alread in the away fixture) with two goals to send the pucky Rochdale players into the lottery that is the play offs.
The play offs saw the club firstly facing Yorkshire Rivals Barnsley a club the 'Dale have had many tough game. The first leg was over at their place and things did not get off to a good start despite 'Dale taking the lead through Powell the club went into the dressing room at halftime 3-1 down. The promotion dream was hanging by a thread. It was a tough ask to win and indeed the two goal advantage did make it tough. The second half allowed us to at least cut the defect to one with a first club goal by Charlie McNeil who had recently returned to the side after 2 months out with a broken ankle. 3-2 with all to play for in the second leg. The Second leg was nailbiting to say the least both clubs were fighting hard for the place in the final at Wembley. Both sides were so closely matched in the first half and it looked increasingly like Barnsley were going to hold out for a draw. A penalty was to change that, Powell powered the shot past the hapless goalie to level the score in the 66th minute. No more goals were scored in normal time so it was on to extra time. Legs all round were getting tired and mistakes were beginning to creep into both sets of players game. All that was needed was for one player to go for glory. The inconsistent McMilian was that man two goals in extra time meant the dream was back on. On to Wembley and Sheff Utd. After a tough long season it was all down to one game. Could we do the impossible and nick the win. Sadly for the Dale fans Wembley was a damp squib clearly Utd were not only up for it but they were vastly more experienced than us and the contest was over effectively by half time. It ended 3-0 to Sheffield and the dream was over for another season.
Now I need to pick these players up off the floor and prepare them for next season. Year on year the club has got stronger, how long I can rely on making rejects into stars is up for debate, it is getting harder to make any sort of profit with a small ground and no real reputation but I live in hope. We've had 3 seasons in the Championship now all three of which the club have been expected to fight the drop and all three where we have defied the odds but even the most dedicated fan knows that it may change at anytime.
Oh well on to next season and maybe just maybe the Promised Land of the Premiership will become reality. Up the Dale, pride of the little guy!