Today sees the end of the FA Cup Round 4, with the DRAW of the 5th Round ties at 7pm and Rochdale hoping to create history tonight as the Dale takes on Stoke. Did you know that Rochdale's ground is known as Spotland, crowding in 10249 folk, although the record attendance has been in the 20,000s, all crammed together with cloth caps and fags on?
Spotland is the 6th highest League ground in the country at 498' asl and described as a difficult environment in which to play the beautiful game.
By the way, this should not upset the Potters whose Britannia Stadium is 9th highest at 431', thus equally grim to visit on a January evening.
Dale was founded in 1907, joining the Third Division North in 1921 and winning their first league game in August, 6-3 beating Accrington Stanley-who are they? Rochdale FC has the distinction of playing entirely in the bottom two divisions since their foundation. Only Hartlepool share this record of underachievement.
Dale also has the lowest average league position of all league clubs. There was an important promotion for Dale in 1969 when Bob STOKOE was manager. (Is this a sign that tonight's game may go Dale's way?) and a promotion most recently in 2014 to League One.
With a motto on the badge of "Credo Signo", "Believe in the Sign", the Dale hope to show the resilience of the sheep wool and toughness of the iron as depicted in the crest and a belief in BOB STOKOE!!
Pub quiz stuff:
Highest Grounds in FL:- Hawthorns 552', Oldham 526', Port Vale 520' Watch out for increased wind speeds as Climate Changes?
Lowest:- Blundell Park 2', St Mary's 3'. Hull City 4' ; beware Global Warming when sea levels will rise.
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