As Dale approach the busy festive period, Manager Keith Hill admits that’s happy with what the squad has achieved so far.
After having already hit the target of accumulating 30 points by the 23-game mark, Hill is pleased that the players are continuing to rise to the challenges of League One.
“That’s not me being unambitious, it’s me being realistic looking at the history of the football club,” said Hill as the players hit the 30 point target with three games still left play before reaching the 23-game mark.
“I expect more, but I’d be happy with the 30 points that we’ve got. You’ve got to be level headed as a Manager – you’ve got to look at the league that you’re playing in and I don’t think anyone can argue that it’s a
far superior standard than League Two over 46 games, or over 20 games that we’ve played so far. And it’s a very, very difficult task for Rochdale Football Club to remain in League One, never mind being in the
sixth position that we’re in.
“The players are rising to the challenges, and they’re will be more challenges and more obstacles. It’s a very, very difficult league, both mentally and physically for the players. Sometimes the opposition will have the tactics on us, and that’s not being disrespectful to myself or the players, it just happens.”
He continued: “We’re happy with where we are at this moment in time and we want to make progress.
“We don’t want there to be huge progress this season and then a massive, massive dip next season. We want that continual progress and it’s my job to try and manage that by signing players and by giving players opportunities.
“One thing that’s missing from football these days is continuity and stability. Players want continuity and stability and it shouldn’t be disrespected like it is in so many walks of footballing life - hopefully that’s what we’re trying to create here.
“It might be boring, it might end up being monotonous, but it’ll certainly be successful.”
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