Our guest of honour for tomorrow’s match against Brackley is Paul Connor, a legend at Dale during the early 2000’s under managers, Steve Parkin, John Hollins, Paul Simpson and Alan Buckley so should have some decent recollections of his time at the Crown Oil Arena (Spotland)
Paul signed for Middlesbrough straight after he left school, but with his chances of first-team football at the Riverside Stadium scarce, he went out on loan to Gateshead, Hartlepool United and Stoke City, where he made 3 appearances before returning permanently.
Whilst there, he went on loan to Cambridge United, where he scored 5 goals in 14 games before moving to Rochdale, who paid a club record fee of £150,000. He was an immediate success, taking the Dale to the brink of the play-offs with his goals, before an ill-timed injury prevented him from playing more than a marginal role the following season, when Dale did make the play-offs.
He managed to shake off the injury for the 2002/3 season, during which he played a key role in the run to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup. However, with his contract due to expire, he was sold just before the transfer deadline day in March 2004 for just £35,000 to Swansea City.
Paul later played for Leyton Orient, Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Gainsborough Trinity, Shildon, West Auckland Town before retirement, which sees him now turning his talents from the pitch to the treatment room, now using his expertise and skills in podiatry.
Paul’s story, plus other Dale legend,s can be found on: www.rochdalefpa.com
The Former Players Association is linked to the Supporters Trust: www.Daletrust.co.uk
To book hospitality in the 1907 Lounge, contact: www.commercial@rochdaleafc.co.uk