Rochdale manager Keith Hill is hoping his side grasp an ‘unbelievable opportunity’ and win the League Two title for the first time in their history on Saturday.
Dale, second in the division, travel to Newport County after securing promotion last week and know a victory will guarantee them the title, providing current leaders Chesterfield do not beat Fleetwood Town.
Third-placed Scunthorpe United could also win the league if they defeat York City and both Dale and Chesterfield fail to win.
“It (to become champions) is certainly the aim but whatever happens what we’ve achieved this season shouldn’t be diluted, we’ve got an unbelievable opportunity,” Hill told The Dale Player.
“We’ve got to focus on the game the season’s not over yet. We are hoping to go (to Newport) and put in a really good performance.”
Regardless of Saturday’s outcome Dale have enjoyed a hugely successful season, achieving only the third promotion in their history and Hill has no doubts about what the secret of his success is.
“Any manager who doesn’t have control and power is going to lose his position at a football club,” said Hill.
“That’s what one of the key ingredients is and I’ve been given that control and power by the players, by the supporters, by the chairman and the board of directors.
“I’m enthusiastic about the future and taking the majority of this squad into the next phase of our development in League One.”
Dale are taking 1,300 fans to Newport and Hill hopes they will all take part in the club’s ‘pink pants day’ an idea concocted after the Dale boss wore pink trousers at an away match at Bristol Rovers last month.
“I hope that every Rochdale supporter my family included and the families of all the players going to Newport will wear some kind of pink garment,” added Hill.
“Without question (I’ll be wearing mine) it has created such energy and generated enthusiasm.”
Image courtesy of TexacoFCUK via YouTube, with thanks.
