Rochdale manager Keith Hill is looking forward to the visit of Bolton Wanderers to Spotland this Saturday and is delighted with the way pre-season has gone for his squad. From the sun-kissed pitches in Spain to the floods in Fleetwood on Tuesday, it's all part of the programme to be ready for the 7th August.
"I was very pleased with the performance the other day against Fleetwood Town and the way we are shaping up," said Keith."It is about preparation for the Hartlepool game and beyond and I reasonably pleased with where we are at this moment in time.
"We are still searching for more players and like I said before it is going to become a managers market over the next few weeks.We should have the pick of some very good players to add the very good core of players we have already.We have to make sure we have back up because of the risk of injuries and suspensions
"Our pre-season has seen us do the lion's share of the hard work.We have done the hard miles on the training pitch and we are fast becoming a product of what we do on there.Every day is a learning day and every pre-season game is a learning game for me and the players.
"We play Bolton this Saturday and we will go about the game in our way, but they are a very good Premiership outfit who are good at keeping the ball so we will see how we react when we don't have the ball against an exceptionally good side like Bolton.
"I have no doubt we will learn more about our new additions in this game.Josh Lillis had a quiet game on Tuesday but he did what he had to do and his distribution was good. Tuesday proved to be a good introduction for Joe Widdowson, Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Brian Barry-Murphy.It was also good to see Craig Dawson out there on Tuesday night with a truly professional approach to the game.I don't expect him to change his attitude because at this moment in time Craig wants to do one thing and that is play football.
"I consider Craig to be like a son with respect to the way we try and nurture him and l understand he wants to leave and go to a Championship club. The fact is that our valuation of Craig hasn't been met by any club and it will be Middlesborough's loss when he goes and signs for another club that will meet Rochdale AFC's valuation.
"Middlesborough are trying to play hard ball but I know Craig Dawson and I know his form will be good at the beginning of the season and I know in the space of 10 to 15 games there will be more bids and bigger bids and Middlesborough will miss out.
"Craig will remain focussed on playing for Rochdale and the future will take care of itself. He is a Rochdale player and Craig will remain a Rochdale player until our valuation is met and everyone should realise that."
