It’s been a season to forget for Rochdale, they are currently the Football League’s bottom club and look all but set to drop down to the National League, with that in mind I’ve taken a look at five smart signings, I think would help them steady the ship and maybe even help fire them towards an instant return.
It’s never easy following a relegation, even a club as historic as Rochdale will be no exception to that rule, the fan ownership model is ideal in principle however does have limitations, including funding. Even if Rochdale do somehow stay up, after the season they’ve had, they need to seriously look at what is happening at the football club and bring in some new faces to steady the ship at the club.
After announcing the departure of manager Jim Bentley, Dale are on the hunt for a new manager and I’m sure whoever comes in, will want to give all they can to keep the club in the Football League, but will have one eye on next season wherever the club may be.
So with that in mind, here are five players I think they should take a look at in the summer.
Danny Lloyd
I already know what you’re going to say “he’s already at Rochdale” I know, but he is only on a short-term deal. Lloyd has shown time and time again this season, that he is more than capable of playing at League Two level.
He’s been one of the shining lights for them in a poor season, and getting him signed up to a new deal, will be just as valuable as any signing they bring in.
I’d expect Lloyd to stay in the North West, this summer but I’d imagine he will have a few clubs trying to come in for his signature, so Rochdale will need to move quick to him tied down to a new deal.
Aaron Chapman
Now, hear me out on this one, Richard O’Donnell I know is fairly well-liked by Rochdale fans and I doubt many will want to see him replaced, but I don’t see him staying with the club if they are to drop to the National League.
If he is to go Chapman would be a no-brainer for me, he was absolutely fantastic in his time at Gillingham and was a huge part of their attempt to pull off a great escape of their own.
However, Chapman now finds himself at Scunthorpe, who are currently fighting for their lives in the National League, after joining the club from Stevenage in February.
Scunthorpe aren’t down yet, but if they are to go down I would question their ability to hold onto a player of Chapman’s calibre, who I genuinely believe would still be a fantastic player at even League Two level.
Again, this one is more aimed towards if O’Donnell is to part ways with Rochdale and they are in the market for a replacement however, even if he isn’t Chapman would provide perfect competition for places in the side.
Dominic Poleon
Goals have been hard to come by this season for Dale, scoring just 33 goals in the league so far, I think this is one of the first things they need to address ahead of next season.
Poleon has been in fine form for Ebbsfleet this season, scoring 32 goals in 39 appearances, almost as many as Rochdale’s entire team.
Fleet currently sit top of the Vanarama South table 21 points clear of their closest rivals Dartford, who do however, have 2 games in hand.
It isn’t mathematically confirmed yet but Fleet look nailed on to return to the National League next season, but I imagine Poleon will be heading there with or without Ebbsfleet.
Although playing the level below National League, he knows where the goal is and could prove to be the perfect talisman for Dale.
Ben Reeves
Almost a forgotten man this season at Gillingham, he’s had an injury-ridden time so far and his contract is coming to an end.
Reeves will be eager to get back out there and start playing regular first-team football again.
He has creativity in abundance and he possesses a fantastic footballing brain, this could be a match made in heaven for Dale.
He’s the sort of player anyone would want in their team light on the ball, gets you up off your feet, I’ll actually be sad to see him leave Gillingham, but I don’t see him staying with the club and I think Dale, who are in need of some action up that end of the pitch couldn’t go far wrong with Reeves.
Darren Oldaker
Currently plying his trade at promotion-chasing Chesterfield in the National League, and looking likely to make a play-off appearance this year.
Oldaker, has been fantastic for Chesterfield since joining the club from Dorking Wanderers, He’s probably best described as a deep-lying player-maker, with a wonderful range of passing which can turn defence into attack in a matter of seconds.
I hate to use the term rebuild but that is exactly what is needed at Rochdale and they are going to need people through the door that not only understand the National League but also have proven themselves at it which Oldaker most certainly ticks the right boxes and is still only 24 years old.
Writers View
It’s been tough, even from a neutral point of view to see what is happening at Rochdale, but what is vital is that they don’t let the gaps grow deeper and they start to steady the ship.
I’ve listed five players above, but I honestly could’ve sat here and listed at least eight maybe even nine, although I haven’t included one above they do need an engine man in midfield who is going to break up the play for them like Stuart O’Keefe who is out of contract with Gillingham this summer, or a player with similar attributes.
It’s going to be a tough job for whoever comes into replacing Bentley at Dale but, whoever it is one thing is for sure they need fresh faces through the door.
Speaking of Bentley’s replacement why not check our potential replacement piece.
