Rochdale play Crawley Town for the first time this weekend with manager Keith Hill in need of a result rather than a pretty performance.
The Dale have only managed to collect four points out of a possible fifteen after their elevation to League One last season.
The manager says while the team’s form and general play has almost exceeded expectations, it is high time they played for results even if that means scrapping it out.
“The performances have been brilliant but we have to look through the performances and start getting the results,” he told the Dale Player.
“I have to make sure the players learn from their mistakes but then put into place the actions they need to get positive results as well as performances.”
Crawley will be no easy task for Hill’s new vision, especially as they face opposition manager John Gregory, who comes with Premier League experience at Aston Villa and Derby.
“John Gregory, wow, as a Manager he’s superb. It’s a difficult proposition and a difficult task for us,” added Hill.
“We’re looking forward to that task, but who knows what’s going to happen. All I do know is that we’ll continue with our plan, our philosophy and our strategy. Let’s see where it takes us.”
Crawley’s start to the season looked promising after winning their first two games, but three league defeats on the bounce have seen the Sussex club slip to 16th in the table.
Their 2-0 midweek win over Cambridge United in the Johnstone’s Paint trophy will instill confidence back in the side, but Gregory isn’t taking anything for granted.
“Some clubs and managers seem to fit and it’s like that for Keith Hill and Rochdale. He’s got them promoted twice and they have a very good squad.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to, although we know it will be as difficult a 90 minutes as we’ve had this season.”
Main image courtesy of Official Rochdale AFC via YouTube, with thanks.
