SportRochdale’s promotion heroes celebrate in style

Rochdale’s promotion heroes celebrate in style

More than 4,000 fans gathered on Rochdale Town Hall Square last night (12 May) to celebrate with Rochdale AFC’s promotion-winning team, after they attended a civic reception at the town hall.

The event marked the culmination of the most dramatic season, which saw the squad’s promotion back to League Two following Jimmy McNulty’s side’s thrilling Wembley win, secured via a penalty shootout following yet another injury time equaliser for The Dale.

The victorious team, co-chairman Cameron Ogden, management and coaching staff appeared on stage to a greet a big, excited crowd of all ages to toast their success and lift the trophy.

Mayor of Rochdale and longstanding Dale fan, Janet Emsley, who was at Wembley last week opened the event and said: “This is an extremely proud moment for me, the football club, the town and the borough. It’s sure been a rollercoaster ride, with weeks of drama, late goals, dramatic moments and incredible highs.

“The club really is at the heart of the community, it unites people, a place where generations of families come together every week to cheer on the team. The football club is shining brightly again and putting a smile back on people’s faces. For that I want to particularly thanks Cameron Ogden, Simon Gauge and everyone connected with the club. They brought hope back, gave the club a timely lift and got the Dale back on the path to football league status.”

Laura Thomas, chief executive of Rochdale AFC, added: “The trophy lift was a truly special moment, not just for the club, but for the whole town. This is exactly the kind of moment that reminds us all why football and community go hand in hand. We are so proud to be part of Rochdale, and events like this make that pride even greater. We hope this is the first of many celebrations to come!”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
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