Brian Barry-Murphy says he can’t wait for his side to get back into action this weekend.
Dale welcome Coventry City in Sky Bet League One after 11 days without a game, following last weekend’s postponement.
The Dale boss says it has still been a ‘helter skelter’ week but one that has provided him with a full week to work with his squad.
“I can’t wait really,” said Barry-Murphy.
“We have the added confidence that the game is going to take place in what has been a difficult week weather-wise.
“Obviously, there’s a commitment from the Club to make sure everything is in place so that the game goes ahead, which makes our planning process straightforward.
“It’s always more relaxed and easier when there’s no midweek game, but in that there has been loads of different things going on.
“We had the weekend’s game postponed, the start of the training week, the Fans’ Forum and a practice match on Tuesday.
“It’s still been pretty ‘helter skelter’ and provides me with loads of food for thought and plenty of reflection when planning for Saturday’s game against a brilliant team in Coventry.”
Dale were on the end of a narrow 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture against Coventry back in November.
The visitors are currently second in the table, on goal difference but with a point in hand, and admires the way they have built gradually and progressively in recent seasons.
“As much as we don’t like to compare ourselves to anyone, we have always had admiring glances at the way they play. Probably as well because they have an esteemed Academy that has brought through many, many young players.
“A couple of seasons back there was a general perception that they were a team that controlled a game for long periods but didn’t score a lot of goals.
“But they’ve added to that gradually and the way they look like a vibrant team who go and score loads of goals. They’ve built that progressively and on very strong foundations.
“For us, the end of last season was a whirlwind in terms of playing games and trying to get results instantly, which we managed to do.
“The players have been amazing in the way they’ve worked this season with their application and dedication to implement a strong identity for the Club.
“We have that right throughout or Club, from the Academy to first team level, which is something everybody at the Club is very proud of.
“It takes a lot of hard work and the players’ belief in it is significant because it means in moments of doubt that they are totally committed to it.
“It shows that the way we believe we can play, can be exceptional. The more we evolve that and the more we can add the next part of it, which is turning good performances into results by more final third entries and more goals, then the stronger we will all get.”
Click HERE to watch the full interview with Barry-Murphy on iFollow.