SOCCERVOICE.COM, 26.11.2009
Rochdale, will they ever be able to get rid of their trademark ?

Rochdale is currently 2nd in League 2. The club is a synonym for lower league football with a life at the bottom since 1974. This season could end in promotion and hopefully leave their trademark behind
 

Rochdale AFC is based in the greater Manchester area and the club has never been much in the limelight. They don't have a big fanbase and home games are in average visited by around 3000 people.

The club was formed in 1907. They have only experienced promotion once, in 1969, and one promotion, in 1974. They played five seasons at League 1 level or if you like the old 3rd division.

The big moment in the club history is their fantastic run in the League Cup going back to 1962. They ended runners-up after losing to Norwich. This was and still is the first time a club from the lowest league level have managed to reach the League Cup final.

The club ended in a play-off position in 07-08 and also in 08-09. They lost out on promotion on both occasions and hopefully will manage to stay focused and end up with a promotion after this season.

 Rochdale play their home games at Spotland Stadium which has a capacity of 10 249.

Over the years a number of good footballers have played for Rochdale. Alan Taylor who scored twice for West Ham  in the 1975 FA Cup final had a past at Rochdale.

David Cross also started his proffessional career at Spotland and was later a top level player with Norwich, Coventry, West Bromwich and Manchester City.

Michael Owen's father Terry was a player at the club from 1977 to 1979. Today the squad is build on players who knows the League 2 level.

The club is a bit special and despite being a League 2 club they have shown a fantastic consistancy during their 102 year history.