Preston will play Rochdale in an all League One clash at Spotland in the first round on Tuesday after the pair began their league campaigns with a draw and a defeat respectively.

While Rochdale’s past campaign was all about securing promotion, the focus of the former FA Cup winners’ League One bow is likely to be staving off relegation as they prepare to welcome Peterborough on Saturday.

The news was delivered last night by Hill after deciding it was a natural choice to select Lancashire who had already gained sound experience as a skipper.

The 2013-2014 season will go down as one of the most memorable in Rochdale’s history. Here’s five crucial matches.

Dale, second in League Two, know a victory against Newport and other results going their way will guarantee them their first ever title on Saturday

Rochdale are chasing their first-ever silverware in their 107-year history on Saturday and can wrap up the League Two title if they better leaders Chesterfield’s result. To mark the occasion they are sporting pink pants in homage to manager Keith Hill.

Peter Vincenti and Ian Henderson sealed a 2-0 victory over Cheltenham Town to clinch Dale’s place in League One

Rochdale chasing promotion to League One is a successful season on and off the pitch

Fans across the Football League have been voting for their favourite club managers and players as part of the League’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

League Two hotshots Dale bizarrely beaten 3-0 by Mansfield at weekend to relinquish top spot

Dale maintain League Two top spot as they stretch unbeaten run to six games in 0-0 York City draw