Rochdale goalkeeper Josh Lillis will cast his previous loyalties aside when his former side Scunthorpe United visit Spotland tonight.
Lillis began his career at The Iron playing understudy to Joe Murphy in Nigel Adkins’ League One title-winning side of 2006/2007.
The 26-year-old also had loan spells at Notts County and Grimsby Town prior to becoming Dale’s number one but insists he is focused on the job in hand.
“It’s just another game for me,” Lillis told MM.
“I have very good memories of my time there. I was there for a long time and came through the youth system there.
“I’ve still got good friends there I still know quite a few of the lads, a lot has changed since I’ve left but I will just take it as another game.”
The goalkeeper – who cites David Seaman, Nigel Martin and Peter Schmeichel as his heroes – sampled two promotions and two relegations at the Lincolnshire club as they defied the odds under Adkins playing in the Championship for three seasons.
“It was probably one of the best times in the history of the club and I’m proud to be part of that,” said Lillis.
It was the irrepressible Adkins who often grabbed the headlines as unfancied Scunthorpe scaled the Championship heights and Lillis believes Keith Hill’s philosophy is not dissimilar.
“They both love the game, they’re both knowledgeable, and their tactics are very similar as they both like to play the game in the right way,” Lillis added.
Dale’s opponents this evening have since Lillis’ days there, fallen on hard times and recently sacked Brian Laws as their manager.
The visitors are eighth in League One but after their caretaker manager Russ Wilcox masterminded a 2-1 win at Portsmouth on Saturday a resurgence could be on the cards.
That result that cost Portsmouth manager Guy Whittingham his job and Hill’s men will need to be on their guard.
Hill recently signed winger Lee Molyneux on loan from Crewe Alexandra until January and the 24-year-old could make his debut tonight.
“He’ll be available,” said Hill.
“He can play in a number of positions, he can score goals and he’s an extra threat.
“It’s great that we’ve got him and somebody else hasn’t.”
Image courtesy of Bill Boaden, with thanks
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