Early this year, Rod Herd, a lifelong Dale supporter living in North Wales, was chatting enthusiastically with his good friend Dave Thomas about how this could be the year Dale made it back to the EFL. Rod suggested they go to a match together, and what better introduction to the Dale Way than the annual Exiles match?
Our newly signed Exile, Dave, celebrated with fellow Exiles from Malta, Scotland, South Wales and England as Tyler Smith scored the only goal of the game.
Dave was so taken with the day, especially how the Trust and the club looked after everyone, that he couldn’t wait to go again. The home match against Wealdstone followed (2-1, featuring a late turnaround), then the drama of the season’s last match against York.
Undeterred by the late York equaliser and having never been to Wembley before, Dave joined Rod on the early train from North Wales for the play-off final. We need not remind you all how that one went! But if you do want reminding, then click HERE
Well done, Rod, on spreading the Dale message in North Wales, and we look forward to seeing them both next season at the Crown Oil Arena. Away matches at Shrewsbury, Tranmere and Crewe look tempting too.
Dave should be quite easy to spot, draped in his rather fetching recent purchase.
