SALLY, SALLY PRIDE OF OUR ALLI

Rochdale AFC take on the mighty Spurs in the 5th Round of the FA Cup on Sunday in England (4pm ko) at Spotland, one of the iconic football grounds. Gracie Fields born nearby was famous for her song "Sally Sally, Pride of our Alley" which some may remember. Tomorrow the Spurs "Alli" will be GRACING Spotland this weekend. It can only get better.

The Spotland pitch has had its problems and this game is Rochdale's big chance to make history. Some hope!!! now that the pitch has been replaced! Here are the volunteer supporters making history.....that is creating a surface for Spurs' wizard, Dele Alli to weave his magic.

Newport County caused a stir against Spurs with their bobbly ground in the last round,  but Spurs negotiated it just and took them back to Wembley for a money spinning defeat. Rochdale will be looking for a surprise at home or a lucrative replay at the "home of football". Here are few thoughts from manager Keith Hill.
https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2018/february/watch-keithhill_prespurs_part1/

And if you happen to be in the Rochdale area with a child, why not take advantage of this little gem, set up by the club......good community spirit.
https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2018/february/junior-event-beach-party_spurs/


The Dale have beaten Bromley and Slough from the National League, Doncaster and then Millwall after a replay to get to this stage of the Emirates FA Cup.
Rochdale did get to the League Cup Final in 1962 losing to Norwich on aggregate 4-0 (matches played at home grounds). They hold the record of spending 36 consecutive seasons in the Football League bottom division (1974-2010), often called the Rochdale Division!!! and the longest time of not being in the top two divisions of the FL (Championship and PL) or being relegated to the National League....89 seasons.
I saw Rochdale many seasons ago when manager Keith Hill was running a decent side. The club was reputed to have the best PIES in the FL-agreed. Hill had much success at the club from around 2007 but then left for greater riches at Barnsley. That failed and he returned in 2013, immediately taking the Dale to promotion to Division One.
Founded in 1907, the Dale made their way to Spotland in 1920 and like many other northern sides, joined the FL in 1921. They share the ground, now called the Crown Oil Arena (sponsors from Bury), with Rochdale Hornets Rugby League Club.
Famous people from Rochdale include Gracie Fields, Colin Baker (Dr Who once), Bill Oddie, Liz Kershaw, Anna Friel and Steve Coogan.