[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

Chapter Eleven: On the Move

Moving away from Hartlepool and down to deepest Norfolk is quite a journey for anybody, and for a young 18 year old who had never been away from home before it was even more testing. The only time that Mark was out of Hartlepool was went on the school skiing trip to Switzerland just four years ago, and even then that was just for a week. This was for a bit longer...

The train arrived in Norwich railway station at 3:20pm, and Mark opened the railway carriage door and took his first steps to a new career. Dave Stringer, cult playing hero for the Canaries and now manager, was supposed to be meeting the new Football in the Community officer - but Mark couldn't see him. Panic struck in fear as Mark thought it was going to be just a prank. Suddenly, a shout came from the distance....

"Mark, Mark! Sorry I'm late; got stuck in traffic." It was Dave Stringer, breathless.
"No worries Dave, it's fine." Mark replied, even though he scent hesitancy.
"Come on, car is the car park."
"Great, but where am I living?"
"We've got a spare room at our house Mark, you can stay there as long as you want."
"That'll do for me Dave," his tension lifted.

Five years further down the line, Mark had helped establish a real good Community Programme at Carrow Road. It was a great decision, and Mark was over the proverbial moon at his work. Even some other clubs were casting eyes towards the Norfolk club. One morning, Mark was sitting at his desk to organise some more school programmes for the forthcoming half-term when the phone rang:

"Good morning, Norwich City Football in the Community." Mark responded in his usual greeting.
"Oh, can we speak to the manager of the programme?"
"Speaking."
"Mark, this is Graham Mackrell: secretary of Sheffield Wednesday. How are you?"
"Fine thank you."
"Well, I've just been on the phone to the chairman of Norwich City and we've agreed a compensation package."
"News to me Mr Mackrell."
"We'd now like to offer you the same job here at Hillsborough, but with an increased salary."
"I don't know what to say, but if it's agreed with Norwich - well I think er...we're in business."
"Super, see you in Sheffield next week. Just ask for me when you arrive at the stadium."

So with that Mark finalised the paperwork, and called his staff in to inform them of his departure at the end of the week. Undoubtedly Dad had already found out too, as he was on the telephone shortly afterwards. With his coaching skills improving day by day, Mark knew he was probably onto a good thing now...

Hillsborough bound

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

Chapter Twelve: Hello Again

Mark had enjoyed his time in Norwich, it was a great experience to get back into football after what he had been through. His hunger for the game was back, and he was enjoying life once again. So when the call came from Sheffield Wednesday that day, he was surprised. Dad was extremely happy, it was the first time that Mark was home with his parents for a long time. Added to that, it was Hillsborough - and Dad was an ardent Wednesday supporter to boot.

Instead of driving over to the ground, Mark decided to do an unorthodox way of travelling over. He popped on the 51 bus to town and connected with the 42 bound for Grenoside which stopped outside Hillsborough stadium. Mark had to be there for 10:00am, and when he walked off the bus; he looked at his watch - ten minutes to ten. So he strolled in Hillsborough, wearing his Nike tracksuit. The woman behind reception looked pretty bewildered.

"Can I help you?" she asked, observing the tracksuit with some curiosity.
"I'm here to see Graham Mackrell." Mark replied.
"Oh right. Can you I ask you to take a seat over there and I will contact him for you? And what name is it?"
"Mark Duell." Mark added, with a smile, before sitting down.

The receptionist contacted Mr Mackrell, still looking. It was as if people walking into a reception area were not allowed to wear tracksuits in her eyes. Graham appeared moments later, and walked over to the seat where Mark was sat.

"Good journey Mark? Find a decent parking spot?" Graham asked.
"Actually er, I came on the bus." Mark smiled.
"On the bus?" Graham enquired as if to think - different "Well, there's a parking spot for you, you know."
"I didn't know."
"Well you do now. Anyway let's have a few refreshments before we go on and meet your new team. Joan, tea and biscuits in my office please for myself and this gentleman: the new Community Programme Manager."
"Of course Mr Mackrell." she responded, still a bit stubborn.

If the five years at Norwich had been great, then the next five at Hillsborough were even better as Mark expanded the systems in place and also did a spot of part-time coaching with the youth team: basically increasing his own capabilities. He even helped out with a Sunday football team, training them to success. Towards the end of the fifth year, in 1999, Mark knew he had done his time in Community Programmes and was refreshing looking ahead to a new challenge: coaching full stop.

So one day, Mark was in his office and flicking through the pages of the monthly FA magazine and seeing there were any coaching positions available. Part time coach at Torquay United, same at a couple of non league sides, then one really caught his eye:

HARTLEPOOL UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
require
A FULL TIME YOUTH COACH

Interested parties should write to Mrs M Smith, Secretary,
Hartlepool United Football Club, Clarence Road,
HARTLEPOOL, TS24 8BZ.

Mark asked the Secretary of Wednesday, now a gentleman called Alan Sykes, if they would have any objections to Mark applying. Alan gave him Wednesday's blessing, and so Mark went ahead and did it. Two weeks later, he received a letter from Hartlepool United inviting him to an interview. A few days later, the icing came and a second letter confirming his appointment. Dad was sad to see Mark go again, but he knew in his heart that he couldn't stop: not that he had tried before. When Ron and Linda found out after their holiday, they were delighted. Home Sweet Home in a word, everything now had come round full circle from the sad day of 1989.

Chris Turner: Mark's new boss

[sammiller]

Brilliant story. Written very well and with a realistic yet interesting plot. Can't wait for update

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

Chapter Thirteen: A Spot of Fine Tuning

Going back home to Hartlepool is all Mark ever wanted in the end, it was where he belonged. So when he walked through those doors again, but this time as the new Youth Team Coach rather than as a player, it felt rather homecoming. As soon as he walked down to Chris Turner's office, a familiar voice shouted him:

"Now then Jimmy! What you doing here?"

Mark looked around and there was his old mate Keith Nobbs, a hard tackling right back in his playing days.

"Alright Nobbsy."
"Alright mate, so what you doing here? Last time I knew - you were in Norwich."
"How long's that, I must have been only 18 when I went. Flipping heck, can't believe you remember it."
"So, what's the story now?"
“I’m back at Pools.”
“Yeah, I can see that. But doing what?”
“Youth Team Coach.”
“So you’re the one Chris has appointed.”
“Yep, believe it Nobbsy.”
“Nice one, great to see you back here. I bet your Uncle’s pleased.”
“He sure is mate, anyway gotta scoot…first meeting with Chris to go to.”
“See you around pal.”
“Likewise.”

The Youth Team Coach was a nice job to have, overseeing all these up and coming wannabe professionals and their development. What made it even more remarkable was that Mark was really only a few years older himself, and if it wasn’t for that injury he’d probably be having his boots cleaned by one of them. One evening, Mark took his young charges to Hillsborough for a Youth Cup tie, and something else changed his life again.

Dad was there, sat down in a seat behind the away dugout and jokingly winding Mark up at any possible opportunity that arose but sat just a few rows further back was a young lady who despite supporting the home side was casting eyes towards Mark.

“He’s nice.”
“Who is?” asked the companion.
“Him, I think he’s their manager cos he’s always barking out instructions to them.”
“You like him don’t you Sarah?”
“Well..but who’s that old man in front who is winding him up?”
“Go down and ask him.”

Sarah made conversation with Mark’s father, who informed her that the one she was so fascinated by was not just the opposing manager but his son. Dave immediately planned for them to meet up after the game even it was going to be brief. And that was just the start of it all… Two years later, Mark and Sarah tied the knot at a church in Hartlepool with Sarah the perfect bride in white and Mark dressed in kilt etc to reflect his Scottish heritage.

With everything going swimmingly, Mark had – through his job – become friends with some of the big names in football and one was to have a hand in the next twist in Mark’s career. That man was Sir Alex Ferguson, a huge influence on Mark’s coaching methods as he had spent many a time down at the Manchester United training ground noting and observing the great man’s skills. So when in June 2005 came around, Sir Alex lent a helping hand in the next instalment and it all started through a phone call again…

Sir Alex: Pulling the Strings...again!

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

Chapter Fourteen: First Steps

All was quiet in the house, Mark was relaxing in front of the TV, Sarah reading a book, and their daughter was tucked up safely in bed. Suddenly, the home phone started to ring.

"Hello." Mark answered.
"Hi Mark, it's Sir Alex Ferguson."
"Good evening boss." Mark always referred to Sir Alex as "boss".
"Evening Mark, how's things at Hartlepool? Enjoying it?"
"Yeah, it's going well. Was a good idea in the end. Anyway boss, what can I do for you?"
"I've got a proposition for you."
"Oh aye, I'm all ears."
"Fancy taking your career to a new level?"
"In what sense?"
"Well, a team near us need a manager and I think you could be the ideal candidate."
"Really?"
"Sure, I've rung their chairman and put your name forward."
"So?"
"I fully expect them to be in touch in the next day or two."
"Well thanks. Appreciated."
"Just get back to me when you find out if you get it or not."
"Will do boss."

Shortly afterwards, the call ended. Mark mentioned it to Sarah who just simply shrugged her shoulders as if to say "Have a go.", so Mark had a look on the teletext to see if he could get any more information on which club it was. The team was Rochdale, a team who had never ever won anything in their entire history, and they had apparently dismissed Steve Parkin because of an internal dispute of the way the club was being run. Mark was intrigued, but philsophical as well.

The following day, Mark took the Youth Team training as normal and an hour into the session was amazed as anybody when his mobile phone playing its usual tone of the World Of Sport theme sounded. It was the chairman of Rochdale, a Mr David Kilpatrick and the ensuing conversation saw the young 33 year old coach end up leaving the session in the capable hands of his assistant. He was going home to get a change of clothes on and then drive down the motorway to discuss the post.

Three hours later, David Kilpatrick and Mark walked out of the Rochdale boardroom - smiling and shaking hands. Mark had justified Sir Alex Ferguson's words to Rochdale, and had agreed terms with the Lancashire club to take over at the helm. Compensation was quickly agreed with Hartlepool; and Mark would be unveiled the following afternoon. Starting at the bottom, Mark had just walked into the bear pit of professional club management. He just had to prove to himself, that he was indeed the man.

Where it all begins...

[Poolie Exile]

One, possible maybe more, updates coming in next few days...

So watch this space again!

Mark

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

Chapter Fifteen: Meeting the Media

Mark stayed in a Manchester hotel that evening; all paid for by Rochdale and would do so until he found a new home for his young family. Sarah was, as you can imagine quite torn in two once Mark phoned her to tell her that he had got the job. One side was delighted for Mark, the other upset at leaving the house they called home in Hartlepool for a new life in Lancashire. But then again, that was the price she had to pay when she married into a footballing lifestyle.

The morning came, and with it time to meet the Fourth Estate – also known as the media. Butterflies abounded in Mark’s stomach when he awoke; this was it so to speak. So after a bowl of Weetabix and some toast with crunchy peanut butter on, Mark headed back off to Rochdale – still driving his blue Renault Laguna with tinted windows throughout. As he came along Sandy Lane, the slightest doubt did enter Mark’s head but was soon brushed aside as he realised he was going to be doing the right thing again.

The Laguna turned right into the car park at Spotland Stadium, and Mark parked it away from the main entrance as if to try and divert the attention from the handful of fans gathered there. Dressing smart in his suit, and a Rochdale club tie, Mark walked forth. As he neared the entrance door, he was immediately quizzed by a couple of the supporters:

“Excuse me, are you our new Manager?” one asked.
“I might be, I might not.” Mark replied.
“So what are you doing here?” the second queried.
“I’m just a friend of the Chairman, and I’ve come to see him.” Mark responded, knowing full well it was a complete fib.
“But we’re led to believe we have a new manager today.” Fan number one said.
“Watch this space mate, I am sure Mr. Kilpatrick knows the man he wants. Now if you excuse me please…”

That was nerve wracking to say the least, and a few minutes later Mark entered the small room which had been converted into a stage set for a press conference. David Kilpatrick was waiting there, and at his side stood a small dark skinned bloke.

“Everything OK Mark?” David asked.
“Yeah fine, a bit nervous but I’ll be OK.”
“This is Tony Ford Mark, he’s the assistant manager here.”
“Pleased to meet you Tony.”
“And you too.”

The three men walked out of the room and stood in a hallway just off as the media drifted in to take their places. Five minutes later, it was time to get the formalities done with. David Kilpatrick led the way, followed by Tony Ford and then Mark. David took the central seat with Tony to his right and Mark to his left. Flashbulbs from cameras sounded as David took the chair first.

“Good afternoon members of the Press, you know why we are here. A couple of days we parted company with Steve Parkin due to unforeseen circumstances. However, we are not against him and we appreciate his efforts for what he has done for Rochdale Football Club. But times move on and we have moved swift to appoint his successor. This man on my left is a promising young coach, who also has the recommendation of Sir Alex Ferguson, and we believe that he is best man for Rochdale. The new manager selected is.. Mark Duell! Now then we’d like to keep this conference as short as possible, so one question each please to Mark.”

Elton Welsby, Granada Sport: “Mark, did it take long enough to decide to leave Hartlepool for Rochdale?”

Mark: “To be honest, it took less time to decide that than it did for me to propose to my wife!”

Richard Partington, Rochdale Observer: “Nobody knows much about you, so could you please tell me a bit about you?”

Mark: “I’ve had experience in football since I was 12 when I was on Burnley’s books but had a bad injury when I was 14 that led me to being released. Thankfully, Newcastle took me on but didn’t offer me an apprentice contract at 16. Luckily for me, I was snapped up by my home town team Hartlepool and made 75 appearances before sadly suffering a career ending injury.

I moved onto Norwich City where I became their Football in the Community officer and stayed there for 5 years before joining Sheffield Wednesday on a similar role. Five more years later after that I moved back to Hartlepool as their Youth Team Coach until I joined Rochdale the other day.”

Oliver Holt, Daily Mirror: “You are friends with Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez, will this influence the way and type of players you will bring in?”

Mark: “In a word, no. If they want to come and get experience here then they can. The friendship has no bearing whatsoever on the players I wish to bring to Rochdale.”

Bryn Law, Sky Sports: “So what can we expect from you?”

Mark: “Football played on the deck and attractive to watch that people will want to come back and see again and again. Just say this: Mark my words here and now – Rochdale Football Club are going to be successful!”

David Kilpatrick: “Well, that’s it. I am sure you will have your stories to compile so we are going to finish off with some more photos outside in the main stand and thank you.”

And that was that…just the small of getting known to each other now!

[Mr Willy]

A great update Poolie; this is probably the best story ever.

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

Chapter Sixteen: Surveying the scene

The press conference wasn't too bad, Mark thought, he had been through worse such as asking Sarah's father for her hand in marriage. Who said that this football management lark was hard, nothing to it really. So after one day, everything seemed to be so rosy. He was going to view a house after training tomorrow, it seemed like everything was falling into place. Mark cast an eye upward as if to initiate and say: "Made another good move again."

The following day he met the rest of the back room team, as he had decided to keep them all on rather than completely overhaul it. Sure he was going to add an extra scout to improve his on-going commitment to trying to find the best players for Rochdale, but everything was going to be a case of as of you were. Tony would remain as assistant and first team coach, Peter Fox would be still the goalkeeping coach, Keith Hill - youth coach and Andy Thorpe - physiotherapist.

Then it was a small matter of meeting the players he had under his tutelage. A good mix of youth and experience but still probably a little bit on the small side. Mark had been thinking of possible targets in the hotel that previous evening and would be on the phone as soon as he could to discuss them with the respective managers. Tony indicated three players out who he saw as key players in the team:

Name: Rory McArdle
Position: Central Defender
Age: 19
Tony's comments: Currently on a half season loan from Sheffield Wednesday, Rory is a tall and solid central defender who excels in the air and has a good future in front of him. He has already gained international honours for Northern Ireland at Under 19 level and should be a good performer at this level.


Name: Richard (Rickie) Lambert
Position: Attacking midfielder/striker
Age: 23
Tony's comments: Rickie is a talent we picked up from Stockport County, and is very adept at playing either in an attacking midfield role or up front as a target man due to his height. He also is very dangerous at taking set-pieces and has probably the hardest shot on him through the Club. A real asset.


Name: Grant Holt
Position: Striker
Age: 24
Tony's Comments: A powerful striker picked up from Sheffield Wednesday for £20,000 towards the back end of the 2003-04 season. Grant is a real handful and a defender's nightmare due to his great upper body strength and ability to make them look very ordinary. Makes goalscoring look oh so easy.

So with that done with, it was time to take in his first training session as Tony and Keith took the players (senior and youth) through the hated rigours of pre-season training. At 12:30pm, Mark left the session and headed back to his office to discuss the odd transfer or two whilst assessing the pre-season programme:

• Saturday 16 July 2005: Altrincham (away)
  
• Tuesday 19 July 2005: Airbus UK (away)
  
• Tuesday 26 July 2005: Crewe Alexandra (home)
  
• Monday 1 August 2005: Sheffield United (home)

[Mr Willy]

Best of luck with your Rochdale story mate.

[Poolie Exile]

Right folks, here's the deal.

As you might or might know, there's a story in the Hall of Fame entitled "From Rochdale to Real?" well, what's gonna happen is that I am using that as a forerunner to the Sunderland one which was sadly ruined and called "In at the Deep End". Where the Rochdale one ends, end of 2005-06 season, the Sunderland one then takes over.

I should have the whole story updated and in readiness for the 08-09 season.

Tricky, but I can pull it off. Think about it logically if you can...

Mark

[Ferenczi]

Good idea Mark.
Love the restart
KUTGW :thup:

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

Chapter Seventeen: Rochdale in Pre-Season

Rochdale's pre season only was four games long, due to the upheaval of two things:

* The departure of Steve Parkin and the appointment time taken to get a replacement in.

* Teams agreeing to play Rochdale and then cancelling at last minute.

However, the four games played were a combination of both non-league opponents and teams higher in the league structure than Rochdale. The results were as follows:

Saturday 16 July 2005: Altrincham 1 ROCHDALE 1

In their first game under the new regime Rochdale were held to a draw by Conference side Altrincham. Dale took the lead in the 23rd minute when a left wing cross from Blair Sturrock was headed home by Rickie Lambert. Altrincham were reduced to ten men early in the second half when former Macclesfield defender Karl Munroe saw red for kicking out at Grant Holt under the referee's nose. However, the home side levelled two minutes from time when Peter Wright crossed and former Everton trainee Edward Hussin planted a diving header beyond substitute goalkeeper Danny Woodhall.

Tuesday 19 July 2005: Airbus UK 0 ROCHDALE 2

Rochdale clinched victory at the Airfield with a goal in each half. In the 15th minute Rickie Lambert scored his second in as many games when he beat the home side's feeble offside trap to plant a shot beyond the exposed goalkeeper. The second came in the 71st minute and it was a carbon copy of the first, this time Grant Holt was the beneficiary.

Tuesday 26 July 2005: ROCHDALE 4 Crewe Alexandra 1

In the first of two home friendlies, Rochdale demolished their higher ranked opponents who were fielding a full strength side. Dale took the lead in 18th minute when a Lambert shot was parried by on-loan goalkeeper Ross Turnbull and Holt had the simple task of tapping the ball home. Seven minutes later, Lambert made it two when he headed home a Tommy Jaszczun cross from the left and it was three in the 36th minute when Matt Gilks' long punt forth was seized upon by midfielder Scott Warner and he comfortably beat Turnbull.

Alex pulled one back in the 52nd minute when David Vaughan played Eddie Johnson clean through to score but Dale had the last laugh when Holt headed home nine minutes from time from a cross by substitute Alan Goodall.

Monday 1 August 2005 ROCHDALE 0 Sheffield United 1

Neil Warnock's Blades beat a hard working Dale side with a goal scored in the 58th minute by Steve Kabba. Kabba pounced when the home side failed to deal with a Brennan cross and he had the simple task of netting.


New player arrivals:

Matthew Blinkhorn (from Blackpool) 3 month loan, leading to possible season long deal.
David Mannix (from Liverpool) season long loan.

New Dale Recruits: Blinkhorn and Mannix

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

Chapter Eighteen: Squad Numbering 05-06

Today Rochdale's new manager Mark Duell unveiled to the press the squad numbers that the Dale players will be wearing this season:

1. Matthew GILKS
2. Warren GOODHIND
3. Tony GALLIMORE
4. Ernie COOKSEY
5. Gareth GRIFFITHS (Captain)
6. Jonathan BOARDMAN
7. Lee CARTWRIGHT
8. Neil BRISCO
9. Grant HOLT
10. Paul TAIT
11. Gary JONES
12. Alan GOODALL
13. -
14. Scott WARNER
15. Rory McARDLE (on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, half season)
16. Tommy JASZCZUN
17. Rickie LAMBERT
18. Jamie CLARKE
19. Blair STURROCK
20. Clive MOYO-MODISE
21. -
22. -
23. Matthew BLINKHORN (on loan from Blackpool, 3 months initially)
24. Kevin GIBBINS
25. David MANNIX (on loan from Liverpool, season long loan)
26. Krystian LIPTROT
27. Gary BROWN
28. Danny WOODHALL
29. -
30. -
31. -
32. -
33. Ben KITCHEN
34. -
35. -
36. Lloyd RIGBY

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

Chapter Nineteen: Speaking to the Fans

Dear Rochdale Supporter,

Thank you for the warm welcome you have given to me since my appointment here at Spotland. It is my first real foray into the professional ranks, and I know some of you are very sceptical of me. However, it is my job to win you over.

I know plenty of you were disappointed when Steve Parkin left the Club, as he was a bit of a hero around these parts but the Chairman believes a change of focus is what the Club needs and that is why he has brought me in. I believe in my own abilities and I hope that I can transmit this through good results for Rochdale Football Club.

I have kept the backroom team that Steve had in place, and hopefully it might appease some of the doubts that are seemingly occurring. Having people who know the ways and means in the team is essential and hopefully we can all pull together in the same direction to achieve success.

Rochdale have been dormant for far too long, and it is my job to bring some success. I firmly stand by the statement I made at the press conference: "Mark my words, Rochdale Football Club are going to be successful."

I will aim to bring the best of the players I have at my disposal, and if it means upsetting a few then so be it. I have worked hard to get where I am today, and this is something I know I am capable of.

Now it is time to get the season up and running, and for the players to prove the trust I have instilled in them is totally justified.

Up the Dale!

Mark

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

August 2005 Review

Players In:

Craig Swinscoe (Ilkeston Town) - Free Transfer
Marc Kalenga (Glasgow Rangers) - £2K, rising to £5K with add-ons.
Gavin Skelton (Gretna) - Free Transfer
Njazi Kuqi (Birmingham City) - Season long loan

Kuqi arrives from St Andrews...

Players Out:

Matthew Blinkhorn (Blackpool) - loan return
Ben Kitchen (Droylsden) - 6 month loan

Ben goes for some valuable experience

Mark's Observations:

"I'm very pleased with the players I have brought into Spotland. I have the belief that the players are good enough quality to achieve our ambitions. We are very pleased to acquire players from Liverpool, Rangers and Birmingham City - it shows the true potential of us as a whole if we can bring them here.

I think they will become fans favourites all of them, and I hope you - the fans - will encourage them and cheer them on as much as I know you can do. We have allowed Ben go to Droylsden for a half season loan, and we are sure it will make him a much better player. He is a young lad, and still learning and I am sure Ben will enjoying playing at Droylsden as well as the Bloods' fans will enjoy seeing him in action."

This post has been edited by Poolie Exile: 05 March 2008 - 11:49 AM

[Poolie Exile]

Match reports appearing here soon ....

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

August 2005 Review: Match Reports

Keytech Performance of the Month

Saturday 6 August 2005: Wrexham 0 ROCHDALE 3

Rochdale got off to the best of starts under new manager Mark Duell with a splendid 3-0 away in North Wales. Debutant Matt Blinkhorn's pass deflected off James Silgram into the path of Grant Holt who was unmarked and he slid a 14th minute shot past Michael Ingham. 14 minutes later, Shaun Pejic brought down Holt and from the resultant free-kick, Rickie Lambert curled it into the top far corner. Wrexham's best efforts came from Jonathan Walters but he was wasteful in front of goal. Dale secured the points as early as the 53rd minute when a Jamie Clarke cross was headed past Ingham by Blair Sturrock (on for the injured Blinkhorn).

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Gallimore, Jaszczun (Goodall) - Warner - Cooksey, Jones (Mannix), Lambert - Holt, Blinkhorn (Sturrock). Unused substitutes: McArdle, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Grant Holt (Rochdale)
Attendance: 3,756
Referee: Lee Roberts (Ilkeston)

--------

Other Matches

Tuesday 9 August 2005: Notts County 3 ROCHDALE 0

After scoring three on opening day, Rochdale slipped to a 3-0 defeat at Meadow Lane tonight. Chris Palmer opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he powered home a header past Matt Gilks from a David Pipe cross. Three minutes later County skipper Julien Baudet headed home from an acute angle following Jake Sheridan's free-kick. Grant Holt almost pulled one back in first half injury time but Baudet produced a superb last ditch tackle. However, eight minutes from time it was 3-0 when Pipe's free-kick was headed in by Matty Williams.

Team: Gilks - Clarke (McArdle), Griffiths ©, Gallimore, Jaszczun - Warner (Brisco) - Cooksey, Jones, Lambert - Holt, Sturrock (Goodall). Unused substitutes: Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: David Pipe (Notts County)
Attendance: 4,748
Referee: Andy Perlejewski (Bournemouth)

Saturday 13 August 2005: ROCHDALE 1 Chester City 0

An early goal after ten minutes saw Rochdale bounce back from the midweek defeat at Notts County and defeat Chester. Rickie Lambert’s left wing cross was latched onto by the unmarked Ernie Cooksey and he made no mistake past Chris MacKenzie in the visiting goal. In fact, Chester had MacKenzie to thank to save them from a hammering as he pulled off good save after good save. The Blues best chance came in the 7th minute when Marcus Richardson headed well wide when well placed. Blair Sturrock thought he had made it two, but was given offside after Neil Brisco had deflected a David McNiven clearance into his path.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Gallimore, Jaszczun - Brisco - Cooksey, Jones (Warner), Lambert - Holt, Sturrock (Goodall). Unused substitutes: McArdle, Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Rickie Lambert (Rochdale)
Attendance: 2,457
Referee: Simon Beck (Bristol)

Saturday 20 August 2005: ROCHDALE 2 Rushden and Diamonds 1

A second win in a row for Rochdale, and their third in the opening four games saw Rochdale emerge victorious at Spotland. Dale took the lead after four minutes when Lambert crossed from the left to the far post where Ernie Cooksey was on hand to notch his second goal in as many games. In the 18th minute it was 2-0 when debutant Marc Kalenga’s superb cross field pass saw Lambert send in a shot on goal that was deflected into the path of Grant Holt and he literally passed the ball into the net for his second of the season. Rushden pulled a goal back just before the half hour when a Greg Pearson cross somehow found itself into the far corner of Matt Gilks’ goal. However, Rushden finished the game with ten men when defender John Dempster saw red for a professional foul on Blair Sturrock.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Gallimore, Jaszczun - Kalenga – Cooksey (Mannix), Brisco, Lambert - Holt, Sturrock. Unused substitutes: Goodall, Warner, McArdle, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Griffiths
Man of the Match: Rickie Lambert (Rochdale)
Attendance: 2,434
Referee: Lee Roberts (Ilkeston)

Wednesday 24 August 2005: Carling Cup First Round. Leicester City 1 ROCHDALE 0

Veteran striker Dion Dublin was the toast of the Walkers Stadium as his header proved enough to send the Foxes into the second round tonight. Dublin planted the ball beyond Matt Gilks as early as the 2nd minute after Rochdale failed to deal with a Patrick Kisnorbo free-kick. Gilks then recovered to pull off numerous good saves as Leicester looked set for a hatful. Meanwhile, opposing number Rab Douglas only had one serious save to make and that came in the 33rd minute when Grant Holt connected with a Rickie Lambert cross but Douglas brilliantly turned it over the top.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Gallimore, Jaszczun - Kalenga - Cooksey, Brisco, Lambert - Holt, Sturrock (Mannix). Unused substitutes: Goodall, Warner, McArdle, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Gallimore
Man of the Match: Dion Dublin (Leicester City)
Attendance: 18,019
Referee: Graham Salisbury (Preston)

Saturday 27 August 2005: Northampton Town 2 ROCHDALE 2

A game that ebbed and flowed from end to end saw hosts Northampton Town salvage a point despite playing the second half with ten men. The Cobblers took the lead in the 7th minute when Ryan Gilligan’s pass saw Czech midfielder Lubomir Talda in space and he fired home from an acute angle. Ten minutes later Dale were level, Northampton striker Andy Kirk played a ball back to colleague Brett Johnson but Grant Holt nipped in and crossed for Blair Sturrock’s second of the season. Chris Doig saw red as the first half entered injury time, bringing Holt down for a professional foul after Rickie Lambert had sent him clear.

The second half was nine minutes old when Rochdale took the lead. Lambert played the ball down the line for Sturrock and his cross found Ernie Cooksey for his third of the season. Northampton’s leveller came with just twelve minutes to go and it was a replica almost of the Rochdale first. Substitute Warren Goodhind played the ball towards captain Gareth Griffiths but Kirk made amends for his earlier mistake by intercepting and then coolly chipping Matt Gilks.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Gallimore, Jaszczun (McArdle) - Kalenga - Cooksey (Goodhind), Brisco, Lambert - Holt (Mannix), Sturrock. Unused substitutes: Warner, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Cooksey, Holt, Jaszczun, Lambert, Mannix
Man of the Match: Ernie Cooksey (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,410
Referee: Matthew Kennedy (Walsall)

Monday 29 August 2005: ROCHDALE 0 Bristol Rovers 0

Scott Shearer’s superb performance in goal gained a point for the Pirates at Rochdale this afternoon. The former Coventry City keeper pulled off save after save to frustrate the home side and also the majority of the crowd. Shearer’s best save came as early as the 3rd minute Paul Tait’s flick in found Blair Sturrock who was clean through and looking for his third of the season but somehow Shearer superbly turned it over the top. The Gas’ best chance came late on when veteran Spanish striker Rafa Rodriguez was found unmarked but he somehow screwed it over the bar.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Goodhind, Gallimore - Kalenga - Cooksey, Brisco, Lambert - Tait (Mannix), Sturrock. Unused substitutes: Boardman, Warner, McArdle, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Clarke
Man of the Match: Scott Shearer (Bristol Rovers)
Attendance: 4,341
Referee: Martin Yerby (Maidstone)

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

August 2005 Review: Manager's Opinion

A promising beginning...

A not bad start month to be honest, and I will definitely settle for that. Just one league loss, and I would like to think that most managers would be happy with it. A very good start.

We started off like a proverbial house on fire at Wrexham. I couldn’t have asked much more out of the lads, they were tremendous from start to finish: is it any wonder that we saw the majority of the home support leaving way before the end? When you control games like that we did that afternoon, it happens. Then we have to take that into the next game but as you know we didn’t. What we had done to Wrexham on the Saturday, we had given back to us by Notts County three days later. It showed what the harsh realities of football were. It is then down to the players to put it behind them, and my job as manager to pick them up so they can do it.

The response was magnificent, and it justified my faith in them. Chester were the victims of what we term a 1-0 hammering, as it was basically just their goalkeeper that prevented us from running up a cricket score. We carried this on in our next game, when Rushden came to town. Some good movement and passing, saw us go 2-0 ahead early doors and although we conceded a freak goal I was very satisfied with the performances out there. It showed heart, and gave us belief for the next game: the Carling Cup match at Leicester.

As you know, Leicester got through and it was a fair reflection really. They controlled the game like a team in the higher echelons of the league should. We had to be thankful that Matt “The Cat” Gilks was in such good form as we could quite easily been on the wrong end of a cricket score ourselves, he was tremendous that night. I think he is already probably the best goalkeeper in this division, and that’s only after working with him for a couple of months. He is destined for a big future.

Northampton (away) came, and with a draw which was really fair on both sides. Both sides gave away a sloppy goal apiece, and that for me was quite annoying as another away win was only a matter of minutes away. We showed indiscipline that day too, five booked, and that has to start to stop. We cannot afford to pick up suspensions if we want to achieve our goal. To finish the month we had a goalless home draw with Bristol Rovers, whose keeper turned in the best ever performance of his life to frustrate us.

Another thing which has pleased me no end is the goals. Already we have players sharing the load between them which for a manager is good as it takes the pressure of other individuals: namely the strikers. All the good sides have goals from everywhere, and hopefully this will be the case here at Rochdale. Now we have to take it to the next level, and perform just as good in September. Consistency is the key. Finally, going back to Northampton again - a few of you who were there will notice that Colin Calderwood (their manager) never shook my hand at the end…well I haven’t forgotten if you know what I mean!

Up the Dale!

Mark

Calderwood: Not such a nice chap...

[Ferenczi]

A very good starting month Mark. Really like the idea of summarising it every month, stroke of genius. I'm a big admirer of your writing as you know and I'm very glad you've got this one back on it's feet.