Last Season
Could perhaps be perceived to have been a disappointment as Hill and his side failed to push on from their Wembley defeat of the previous year and gain promotion, but with some of the resources at the disposal of other clubs in the division another play-off campaign was impressive from Hill and his side. It all ended with a bit of a whimper in defeat at Priestfield to Gillingham, but Rochdale's young side impressed with their passing football and Hill's stock continues to rise and he will be hoping to finally go one better this year and take Dale out of the fourth tier for only the second time in their history.
Dale always looked destined for the play-offs, rarely looking like missing out but never sustaining a challenge on the automatic places. Adam Le Fondre's goals upfront helped Dale become one of the division's best goalscoring sides, whilst Hill pulled more signings out of his hat that at first appeared unproven or average yet turned out to be superb acquisitions. Clark Keltie, snatched from Darlington, fitted into Dale's passing style well but the real surprises were some of Dale's youngsters, who impressed for Hill in their first real test of senior football. Winger Will Buckley has been linked with a clutch of bigger clubs since his emergence, whilst Kallum Higginbotham also became a real asset for Dale.
The Manager
Thou shalt not question Keith Hill. Surely never a truer word has been uttered in Rochdale. Since taking over the reigns, pretty much every single thing Hill has touched at Spotland has turned to gold and he has lead them to two successive play-off campaigns, however improbably. A former Dale midfielder, Hill took over from Steve Parkin and turned the struggling Dale into a side who were a whisker away from snatching a play-off place. In his second season he did guide them into the play-offs and past Darlington and to Wembley. In a pulsating game at Wembley, Liam Dickinson's goal ensured it was Stockport County who won 3-2, but Hill's side won plaudits for their football and attitude.
Last year Hill once again defied his budget by keeping a side playing attractive, winning football and reached the play-offs for the second year running, but this time a Simeon Jackson inspired Gillingham were too strong for Dale. This year Hill will be hoping his minimal summer acquisitions and a settled side will be enough to see Dale into League One, which would surely make Hill one of the most sought after managers in the lower leagues. If he isn't already, that is, as he certainly should be.
The Squad
Pretty damn similar to the one that ended the season at Spotland, with just a select few arrivals this summer. In goal Hill has snapped up Accrington Stanley's Kenny Arthur, a steady performer for this level, to replace loanee 'keeper Frank Fielding and Sam Russell. At right back Hill had released Scott Wiseman, but after ex-Notts misfit Simon Ramsden upped sticks for Bradford, the attacking former Darlington man was snapped back up. A good decision we think, as Wiseman offers far more than Ramsden. In the centre young Northern Irishman Rory McArdle has potential but is error prone and is likely to be partnered by a man not well liked down Notts way, Nathan Stanton. At left back Tom Kennedy is a contender for the best full back in the division and is a quality player.
Out wide, ex-Mansfield man Adam Rundle has a sweet left peg and has impressed under Hill, whilst youngster Will Buckley has the skill and pace to terrorise defences at this level. Kallum Higginbotham and Joe Thompson are also youth team prospects with potential. In the middle, captain and stalwart Gary Jones is vital to Dale with his work rate and commitment. Hill has also snapped up Jason Kennedy from Darlington, a young midfielder with a bullet shot and an eye for a pass, he could be one of the signings of the summer. Clark Keltie is a bit lightweight but has ability and much the same could be said for former Notts target Ciaran Toner. Upfront much of the headlines are grabbed by Adam Le Fondre and his goals, but we think Chris Dagnall is the superior player and keeping him fit is vital to Dale. Jon Shaw has failed to settle since joining from Halifax Town, but could be a useful player to have around.
Prediction
Hill will be hoping he can finally take Rochdale up, but a lack of depth in the squad, particularly at the back and upfront, could prove to be their undoing. They have undeniable quality in the likes of Stanton, Kennedy, Jones, Le Fondre and Dagnall and some cracking youngsters, but Hill's squad still isn't big enough to sustain a proper challenge. There are serious questions marks about elements of their defence, also.
5th