To all of the Dale Family.
The Easter weekend holiday last year was a time of joy and celebration for all Dale fans. The weekend in beautiful sunshine and warmth brought back-to-back victories over Wycombe Wanderers on Good Friday and away at Bristol Rovers on Easter Monday. Those victories all but secured our survival and ensure this season would be our record sixth consecutive season in the third tier of English football. Happy day and good memories indeed.
However, the World is very different as we approach the Easter weekend this year. Nobody could have foreseen the virus that has literally taken over the World. It has had an incredible effect on all of us, our families and our daily lives. Whilst we miss, with many emotions, our weekly football fix, the important thing in life for all of us, whether in Rochdale or elsewhere, is trying to stay safe and protect not only our families, but those on the front line who are aiding recovery, particularly the NHS. The virus is affecting all of us and at Dale, we offer our thoughts to a number of people close to our Club who are affected by the dreadful COVID-19, including:
Brian Leightell and Lindsay Marshall who have both sadly passed away because of the virus.
David Yazdi, Steve Kerr, Tony Lloyd and Nick Robinson who are currently suffering from or recovering from the virus.
If any of our supporters want to share their stories of virus and how it has affected their lives, so we can continue to try and spread awareness, please email office@rochdaleafc.co.uk.
I hope that through all of our social media channels Dale fans are enjoying the output and are aware of a number of things around the Club and our Community Sports Trust operation. To give you a further insight into the great work that is still taking place, come football resumption, there will be new levels of professionalism in our retail operation, both in the shop and, significantly, with the launch of a brand-new online shop. Plus, there will be a brand-new ticketing and stadium entry system that will help us progress greatly. We will update you on both projects in the coming weeks.
In closing, on behalf of the Chairman and the Board of Directors, can I wish all Dale fans everywhere a Happy, if perhaps somewhat different than normal, Easter. I would also continue to ask all Dale fans to follow every piece of Government advice and to stay safe and take care, as we want to see all of you back at the Crown Oil Arena as soon as possible.
Happy Easter and Up The Dale!
David Bottomley