Brian Barry-Murphy said the New Year’s Day win over Accrington Stanley was for both the players and the supporters.
Dale ran out 2-1 victors over close neighbours Accrington, thanks to goals from Ian Henderson and Stephen Dooley.
“It was an amazing performance from our lads and a great reaction to what happened to us at Gillingham,” said Barry-Murphy.
“That was for the players and the supporters, who all came together in what is a very exciting fixture for everyone at the Club.
“I asked the lads to represent the supporters in this derby game, which they have done over the last 18 months, and I thought they did exactly what they said they were going to do.”
Barry-Murphy was also delighted to see the return of Henderson, who opened the scoring late in the first-half.
“You get those players within the squad – there are loads of different dynamics of players.
“No matter what you say, there is an element of when Ian plays, the opposition sense that he’s going to be a major problem for them.
“It gave everybody a lift to have him here, and I guess the supporters are no different to the players. It was great to see him back on the pitch and I thought he was brilliant.
“It was a brilliant finish and a great move from our lads. I thought we played with loads of verve and dashing attacking intent in the first-half, against a team who we know are very similar to ourselves.
“It was always going to be a great test but it was a great move and Ian has the most the difficult bit, but he is probably the best in the business at it.”
The game also saw a second consecutive start for Paul McShane, who has missed the last two months through injury.
“Paul has come back from a very serious injury and I’ve put him in the team quicker than what would be ideal in terms of the medical side.
“For him to build up his fitness gradually in the games is not ideal, but it’s needs must at the moment. He did a great job.”
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