Manager Keith Hill reflects on Dale’s derby draw with Bury at the Crown Oil Arena…
“The game was okay in the first half and I was relatively pleased. We had opportunities in the second half but we didn’t just make enough of the possession that we had in terms of clear cut chances.
“But I’m just happy that we got through the game today, because if I’m being honest with you, I could have got in the car an hour before kick-off and drove home. I’m at my end of my tether with certain situations that are developing.
“There are so many things that are tripping us up that it almost feels like there’s some agenda against us that isn’t our fault.
“The players that represented us today were magnificent, when you consider that we had to make two substitutions in the first half again and all my options going into the embers of the game are gone.
“It’s difficult at this moment in time, so from a philosophical perspective, I’m happy.”
Hill is having to contend with a raft of injuries and illness to his squad, which is impacting on his team selection and preparations.
“I don’t think there’s any point in me picking a side because the side that I’m picking on a Thursday and a Friday hasn’t yet been realised on a Saturday, so it’s difficult.
“I’ve just said to the lads that when it’s difficult like this you find fighters, you find winners and you find what you’re capable of doing, myself included, and we’re all in it together.
“That’s what’s special about the changing rooms and that’s why I’m prepared to put my faith in Gilly and the players that we’ve recruited.
“And even with the players who weren’t available today, I don’t believe we should have to keep going into the market to recruit new players. I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt and I’ll shoulder that, and I’ll protect the players as long as their giving me everything they’ve got – character, desire determination – and if they do that, then I’m a happy chap.”
Watch the full interview on iFollow.