A cold February night in Rochdale would leave anyone desperate to find some sun but it was the only thing on boss Keith Hill’s mind after last night’s draw with Burton Albion.
Dale chief Hill admitted that pressure from the stands in recent weeks has left him needing a holiday.
Having watched side came from behind – George Donnelly’s scruffy equaliser cancelling out Zeli Ismael’s first-half opener – Hill was left disappointed with the attitude of supporters.
The 44-year-old has often criticised the lack of patience from supporters throughout his two spells in charge but has been left jaded with the fans’ high expectations.
“I may aswell just go on holiday,” Hill told BBC Manchester. “Sometimes I just get so disappointed.
“There is an air of expectation that is unrealistic and is putting too much pressure on the players.
“It is times like this I feel like saying ‘just book yourself a holiday and go away’.”
Despite his grumbles, Hill was not so disheartened with his side’s performance as they missed out on a chance to go into the automatic promotion spots.
“It is a point gained. It’s a massive point for us against one of our rivals,” he said.
With such a strong home record this season, Rochdale fans may have been clamouring for a crucial win but they still had a strong impact on a Burton side who are unbeaten on the road since mid-November.
Brewers boss Gary Rowett, speaking after the game, said: “We paid Rochdale a bit of respect tonight by changing our formation, something we’ve not done much this season.”
Dale are a point ahead of Burton and level on points with third-placed Oxford United, who visit Spotland on Saturday week.
A long trip to Exeter awaits Hill’s side this weekend but they will go there in high spirits having beaten the Grecians at St James Park on the last two occasions.
