Richard O’Donnell says the players can thrive off the support of the Dale fans during Saturday’s game against Crawley Town.
The goalkeeper praised the atmosphere at our first three home matches of the season, but states the team must help that support along with a good performance.
“Last time out at home [against Grimsby Town] it was a tough one to take, but we’re looking forward to coming back and hopefully putting on a good performance,” said O’Donnell.
“The last couple of home games, the support has been fantastic. Obviously, we want that to continue, but we know we’ve got to put in a performance to help that along as well.
“We’re in a bit of a tough spot in terms of results and things like that [the home support] can really help us as players. We thrive off that support.
“I know it works both ways and we have to give the fans something to support. We’re working really hard to do that and we want to put on a really good performance tomorrow.”
The 33-year-old has been in similar situations previously in his career to that which Dale are in now, with Jim McNulty currently in interim charge following the departure of Robbie Stockdale last week.
He says the players are fully behind the staff in temporary charge and want to reward them on the pitch.
“A lot of credit has got to go to Jim, Kev [Gibbins] and Kris [Dixon] because it’s a difficult situation for them as well.
“Us as a group of players are working extremely hard to turn things around and there’s no better way to do that than with a performance at home tomorrow.
“As player, all you can do is get on with your job. We have to listen to Jim, Kev and Kris and try to implement what they want to do with the team. We want to reward Jim and everyone else for their hard work as well.
“I don’t think anyone can take anything away from Jim. He’s very well respected through football, not just at Rochdale Football Club. He’s definitely got the respect of the lads from what he’s done throughout his career.
“He talks very well about the game and knows a lot about it. Even me, at my age, I take things from Jim and learn from him. As a group of players we’re fully behind him and the rest of the staff.”
Watch the full interview with the Dale number one above via our official YouTube channel.