We have suffered more than most in the past, so let’s enjoy the feeling this Christmas and look forward to 2026 with massive excitement about what this superb group of players might achieve.
Despite the losses reported in the recent accounts, we are by no means trying to buy the league. Our budget is probably 5th-7th in comparison to other clubs, but we are now reaping the rewards of three seasons of careful planning, stability and adding quality to the squad as required.
It is important to highlight where the investment has been spent outside of football operations, the progress we have made over the last year, and appreciate how far we have come on and off the pitch.
We have a professional staffing structure in place, with resource available to meet all the challenges that operating a football club brings. Whether this is through fan liaison, safeguarding, accounts, commercial, operations, media coverage or ticketing, the quality off the pitch is equal to that on the pitch, and we are ready to operate at a much higher level than we currently occupy.
Investment has gone into a new ticketing system, Fanbase, which has made purchasing a ticket for a game so much easier, and we are encouraged by the increase in supporters purchasing online. There is much more that we can do with the system, and we look forward to developing further capability in 2026 to enhance the purchasing and communication aspects further.
We feel our communication and engagement with supporters has improved twofold this year through the establishment of the Club Advisory Board (CAB). It is great for supporters and the club alike to have a wide range of representation on the CAB, and the work being done is greatly appreciated.
It is probably an appropriate point to thank all the fans who come to the matches. Attendances are on an upward trend, the ground looks fantastic with all the flags, and the atmosphere from all corners of the ground is brilliant. It is without doubt a contributory factor to our home form. There will be some tough moments between now and the end of the season, and this positive atmosphere that is now created on a matchday will undoubtedly help as the team tries to pull through.
Investment has gone into the 1907 Lounge, and the change of offering, away from the traditional hospitality, has proven to be very popular, with the lounges nearing selling out for most games now.
Then, on to the much-talked-about pitch. Update reports have been regular, but we are pleased that everything is on schedule to be completed on time. The initial Hero surface being laid will last for around five years, with the stitch pitch that follows to last around 15 years. It will be great to give the players a surface that their football deserves and not have to wake up every morning worrying about what the weather forecast says!
Our thanks again must go to the Ogden Family. Outside of their investment, their business expertise, time and positivity that they have brought to the club and the town of Rochdale is immeasurable. We, as a club, could not have dreamed of finding such owners – there are none better. The pitch problem highlights once again that, without their investment, the club would not exist. The pitch would barely have been salvageable after the Southend abandonment, and I have no idea what we would have done without them.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Let’s all look forward with excitement as to what 2026 will bring both on and off the pitch.
Up The Dale!
Simon