Rochdale AFC still hold the distinction of having spent more seasons in the bottom tier of the EFL than any other club—fifty in total. In fact, over 95 seasons, the club had only ever played in the third or fourth tiers of English football. That long-standing pattern ended in 2023, when they were relegated to the National League amid financial struggles and a series of failed takeover bids. In May 2024, the club was bought by the family of local businessman Sir Peter Ogden, co-founder of IT giant Computacenter. Last season’s credible performance suggested the beginnings of a turnaround, and that seems to be continuing so far this season.

Peter Ogden, of the family that have owned The Dale since 2024.

The Dale most recently visited Nailsworth in January. It was a closely fought game, but a goal from Liam Sercombe got Rovers the three points.

Rochdale finished a very respectable fourth in the 2024/25 National League, with 74 points and 21 wins, albeit nine points behind the third-placed team, whoever they were… In an extremely entertaining and hard-fought play-off semi-final, however — and having been 3–1 up midway through the second half — they were overturned by Southend United in extra time, losing 4–3.

The Dale have made a number of acquisitions over the summer. One standout signing — and one surely to watch — is centre-forward Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, who arrives from Hartlepool United, having been their leading scorer in each of the past two seasons. Other incomers include goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff (on loan from Manchester City), left-back Daniel Tutonda from Morecambe, right-backs Bryce Hosannah from AFC Fylde and Dan Moss from Woking, midfielders Joe Pritchard from Oldham Athletic, Anthony Gomez-Mancini from Hartlepool United, Liam Humbles from Salford City and Casey Pettit from Maidenhead United, and centre-forward Levi Amantchi from Walsall (on loan). Last season’s top scorer Rodney Devante is still at the team, so they should possess a good attacking threat.

Rochdale have made a thoroughly excellent start to the season, currently being placed second in the table, two points behind Rovers, but with superior goal difference, and despite having played two fewer games. So far, Dieseruvwe has scored braces on three occasions – against Boreham Wood, Braintree and Carlisle, and two games have been won by margins of at least three goals (4-0 against Gateshead and 4-1 against Solihull Moors). This might just be the most challenging game of Rovers’ season so far…

The most obvious current Rovers connection with Rochdale is Kairo Mitchell, who spent the last two seasons at Spotland.  Scoring 14 goals in 28 appearances in the team’s first season in the National League, and 18 goals in 32 appearances last season, it will be interesting to see if he can carry that form over to his new team.  This year’s number one goalkeeper, Luke McNicholas, also played for Rochdale last season, on loan from Wrexham. He was between the sticks for nine games at The Dale.

Two former Rovers goalkeepers, Sam Russell and Robert Sanchez, have both played for Rochdale.

The club’s crest is based upon the coat of arms of the former County Borough of Rochdale, with sections representing the woollen, cotton and iron industries that have all been important in the area. The Latin motto, “Crede Signo” – “Trust In This Sign” – is that of local nobleman and Civil War Cavalier general, Baron Byron (Sir John Byron) – himself known as “the Wicked Lord” and “the Devil Byron” whose successor as Baron was his great-nephew, Gordon George Byron, the romantic poet.

In short, there are loads!  football broadcaster Mark Chapman, actor Anna Friel, broadcasters Andy & Liz Kershaw, politician Sajid Javid, footballers Gareth Barry and Craig Dawson, singer Gracie Fields, naturalist & broadcaster Bill Oddie, to name a few. Comedian Tommy Cannon, of Cannon and Ball fame, is from nearby Oldham, but was Chairman of Rochdale AFC for around 18 months in the 1980 – the long and short of it is that it really didn’t work out.

Singer Lisa Stansfield is a Rochdalian.

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can use the Park and Ride service from Renishaw (Bath Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL5 5EY). It opens at 12:30pm on matchdays and costs £5 per car (card only).

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

The Green Man bar and Fan Zone will be open pre-match for food, drink, and live music, with bands performing before each game. Both will also be open at half-time, while the Green Man stays open after the final whistle, showing live Sky Sports games. This season, the Gym Bar also returns for East Stand ticket-holders.

The New Lawn is a cashless stadium — card and contactless payments only.

Hospitality details and offers:

The FGR Shop will be open in the Fan Zone, East Stand concourse, and the Carol Embrey Suite.

A free digital matchday programme will be available online before each home game. Keep an eye on the club’s social media channels for the download link ahead of kick-off.