Rochdale Matchday Programme by ForestGreenRovers

Adam 10 Minutes with May

Being part of one of the biggest FA Cup shocks of recent history and life away from football – get to know Adam May ahead of Rochdale this weekend.

What is your best moment in football?

Promotion at Cambridge was incredible. Also, beating Newcastle away in the FA Cup is right up there for me.

Who is the best player you’ve played with or against?

Played with: Wes Hoolahan - Against: Kieran Trippier.

A stadium you've played in that has the best atmosphere?

St James Park with 52,000 fans!

Best goal you’ve seen live?

Liam Sercombe’s halfway line strike away at Boston.

Most intimidating tunnel walk you've experienced?

Luton’s Kenilworth Road was pretty tight!

Do you have any Hobbies outside of football?

I love playing snooker in my spare time!

Where are your favourite places to visit?

Dubai was incredible when I went there.

What job would you have if you weren’t a footballer?

I’d struggle with this as I’m not sure what I’d do - maybe I’d go into sports coaching or be a football agent.

Favourite TV series/film?

Prison Break.

Best friends at FGR?

I get on with all the lads really, we’re a good group in there.

Who is your footballing hero?

Andrea Pirlo or Steven Gerrard for me.

May19

Opposition The

Forest Green Rovers welcome Rochdale to The New Lawn for the first time since 2022 for our National League fixture.

That last meeting at The New Lawn saw Rovers come away 2-1 winners thanks to second half goals from Matty Stevens and Jack Aitchison.

During our most recent meeting with the Dale, back at the beginning of the season, the points were shared in a goalless draw at The Crown Oil Arena.

Our visitors have enjoyed a positive season so far having fought in and around the playoff zone so far this campaign.

Some memorable moments from their season to date could be their 1-0 victory away to Gateshead, their narrow 4-3 FA Cup first round exit to Bromley or their run in the FA Trophy.

Like Rovers, they have reached the last 16 of the FA Trophy having needed penalties to advance past Northern Premier League side, Stockton Town and will travel to National League South side Worthing next.

Before that, Dale edged past Leamington with a 2-0 win at the Co-op Community Stadium back in December thanks to goals from Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and Matthew Dennis.

Manager, Jim McNulty, is still enjoying his first full time managerial role having taken the hot seat in 2023 following two spells as caretaker manager at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.

McNulty - in that period - has managed over 70 games for the Dale winning over 30 of those matches in his tenure proving how positive his impact has been on the club since retiring at Dale in 2023.

On the pitch, they’ve have had some standout performers including forward Kairo Mitchell, who’s in double digits for goals this season. Defender Kyron Gordon, who has played over 2,000 minutes for the club this season, has also impressed.

Following their trip to Nailsworth, the Dale host Yeovil Town for their National League clash.

Established

Rochdale Association Football Club was formed on 14th May 1907, following a public meeting held in the Central Schools Council, Fleece Street. Dale’s first game was a friendly against second division Oldham Athletic on 3rd September 1907, which the opposition won 4-1.

Crest

The club crest / logo used by Rochdale AFC focuses on a variant of the arms of the former County Borough of Rochdale. The coat of armsbased on those of the local and reputed Rachdale family with certain additions - was granted to the Borough by Heralds College in 1857.

Stadium

Spotland Stadium, currently known as the Crown Oil Arena due to sponsorship rights, is, and has always been, the home of Rochdale Football Club.

Originally known as St Clement’s Playing Fields, after the nearby St Clement’s Church, Dale moved into the ground upon formation in 1907.

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