Rochdale manager Keith Hill hopes Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Barnsley can help the team create a fear factor that throws opponents off their game.
At the weekend Dale were undone by Peter Ramage’s first-half header, and despite dominating for long periods were unable to force a reply.
The result brought to an end a four-game unbeaten run but they are still enjoying a strong start to life in League One, lying ninth in the table as they prepare to play Walsall tonight in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
“It’s highly unlikely that we’ll make too many changes,” Hill told the Rochdale club website ahead of Tuesday’s cup fixture, where he could play the same side that beat Crewe 3-0 in the previous round.
“I’m not too sure whether teams are fearing us or respecting us and they might start employing different tactics,” the manager added after the Barnsley encounter.
“We have to show a little bit of patience. We’ve got good technicians out there who can unlock doors but we aren’t the type of side who can break down the opposition by playing direct and predictable football.”
Hill’s men have already thumped Walsall 4-0 at home this season, and will be hopeful of a return to winning ways under the Spotland Stadium floodlights.
Rochdale have been further boosted by defender Scott Tanser signing a new contract extension, confirming he will stay at the club for a further two years.
Tanser is a product of the Rochdale youth academy and has featured in every game this season.
Assistant manager Chris Beech was vocal in his praise for the 19-year-old, saying: “He deserves the new contract. He can concentrate now he’s got his foundations for his next few years in front of him.
“It’s obviously a good contract, so he can concentrate on improving himself and looking to establish himself as a League One fullback.”
Main image courtesy of Official Rochdale via YouTube, with thanks.
