Front Office Football Central - View Single Post

Greyfriars Bobby · 12-07-2014, 08:48 PM

1 April 2014

With the sour taste of the big loss at Oxford still in their mouths, Rochdale went away to Bury on 22 March. "The supporters took the loss to Oxford really hard," observed left back Mike Staley. "We're anxious to turn things around and see if we can move up a few spots before the end of the season."

Staley and his teammates took a step in that direction with a 2-1 result away to Bury, grabbing three points on a late goal by Craig Thompson.

A day later, the club announced the signing of a talented young center half from East Kilbride called Stuart Maguire. A day away from his sixteenth birthday, Maguire had the pace and athleticism Paul Sanderson looked for in young players; what set him apart were his marking and tackling skills, which were highly developed for a lad his age. Maguire cost the club £9,250, about half of the remaining transfer budget, but Sanderson thought it was money very well spent. "Our scouts think Maguire has League Two potential," the manager claimed.

Before the team's next game, away to Mansfield, someone pointed out the disparity between Rochdale's performance against the stronger and weaker clubs in the Royal First Division. Against teams in the top half of the table, the Dale were meek as lambs, with a 3-8-2 record. Against the bottom half, they were fierce as lions: 14-2-3. Since Mansfield were fourth, the smart bet might have been on the home team.

Sanderson's lads battled hard on a rutted, muddy pitch, grinding out a 1-1 draw. Dave Gale, his bad ankle now healed, got the goal.

With nine matches remaining, Rochdale were ninth, on 62 points--two below Bury. Their next fixture was home to Cheltenham, who were right on their tails. "Don't forget, Cheltenham were the club who knocked us out of the King's Trophy," said Joe Webb, who clearly still had scores to settle. "We beat them in the league back in October. Let's see if we can take two of three."

The morale was good, the dressing room was harmonious, and Sanderson's job was looking considerably safer. "Hopefully I'll hear from the board about a contract for next season fairly soon," the manager mused. "I'm happy here and would like to stay on."

12-07-2014, 08:48 PM	#27
Greyfriars Bobby College Prospect Join Date: Sep 2013	1 April 2014 With the sour taste of the big loss at Oxford still in their mouths, Rochdale went away to Bury on 22 March. "The supporters took the loss to Oxford really hard," observed left back Mike Staley. "We're anxious to turn things around and see if we can move up a few spots before the end of the season." Staley and his teammates took a step in that direction with a 2-1 result away to Bury, grabbing three points on a late goal by Craig Thompson. A day later, the club announced the signing of a talented young center half from East Kilbride called Stuart Maguire. A day away from his sixteenth birthday, Maguire had the pace and athleticism Paul Sanderson looked for in young players; what set him apart were his marking and tackling skills, which were highly developed for a lad his age. Maguire cost the club £9,250, about half of the remaining transfer budget, but Sanderson thought it was money very well spent. "Our scouts think Maguire has League Two potential," the manager claimed. Before the team's next game, away to Mansfield, someone pointed out the disparity between Rochdale's performance against the stronger and weaker clubs in the Royal First Division. Against teams in the top half of the table, the Dale were meek as lambs, with a 3-8-2 record. Against the bottom half, they were fierce as lions: 14-2-3. Since Mansfield were fourth, the smart bet might have been on the home team. Sanderson's lads battled hard on a rutted, muddy pitch, grinding out a 1-1 draw. Dave Gale, his bad ankle now healed, got the goal. With nine matches remaining, Rochdale were ninth, on 62 points--two below Bury. Their next fixture was home to Cheltenham, who were right on their tails. "Don't forget, Cheltenham were the club who knocked us out of the King's Trophy," said Joe Webb, who clearly still had scores to settle. "We beat them in the league back in October. Let's see if we can take two of three." The morale was good, the dressing room was harmonious, and Sanderson's job was looking considerably safer. "Hopefully I'll hear from the board about a contract for next season fairly soon," the manager mused. "I'm happy here and would like to stay on." Last edited by Greyfriars Bobby : 12-07-2014 at 08:50 PM.