Manager Keith Hill spoke to Dale PlayerHD ahead of Saturday’s League 1 fixture v Southend United at the Crown Oil Arena…
Rochdale have won five on the bounce and are unbeaten in seven going into the game. It follows a tremendous turnaround of form after Dale had failed to win in any of their first seven league games.
“We’ve had a good week, but we’re scrambling,” said Hill.
“We’re not scrambling on performances or results but with the squad of players that we’ve got available.
“We’ve got problems with Jamie Allen being out, Peter Vincenti, who is going under the knife today, and Matty Lund being on international duty/ suspended.
“But all in all, those results have really given us an opportunity to continue progression.
“We were sat bottom of the league just three weeks ago. We weren’t looking into the abyss because we believe in the processes that we go through for the success of the football club, but the confidence that was breathed into the whole football club when we got that first win under our belt against Fleetwood has snow-balled into us, in the space of a week, beating Millwall, Bolton and Charlton.
“I’m pleased with the progress the club is making but the crossword isn’t solved, just yet.”
The Shrimpers are the visitors to the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday and Hill says he’s looking forward to the game with the squad of players that he’s got available to choose from.
“I’ve got to come up with tactical plans for the opposition that we’re playing against. My job isn’t so easy that I can learn how to play the guitar during the week then just select a side that should be capable of winning every game that they compete in League 1.
“We have to work exceptionally hard on the tactical employment of what we’re trying to do against any opposition and it won’t be any different this weekend.
“We know the way Southend play and it’s up to us to adopt the right strategy to try and beat Southend United this weekend.
“It’s a difficult proposition because expectation has gone through the roof.
“They’re a good side and they’re in transition like we are after getting promoted two seasons ago. I know Phil [Brown, Southend United Manager] and he’ll be expecting a big impact on the league.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to with the players that we’ve got available.”
The full interview is on Dale PlayerHD.