After 35 years languishing in the bottom tier of the football league, it seems Rochdale are finally poised to seal their place in League One for next season.

Manager Keith Hill has been building a promotion winning team for over three years now and it is a testament to the Rochdale board for sticking by such an ambitious young manager when others would have lost patience.

Following an uncharacteristic slip-up with a 1-1 draw at home to Lincoln on Saturday, Dale still sit a handsome six points clear at the top of the table and what’s more, they’ve done it in style. Hill and assistant manager David Flitcroft principle of playing ‘proper football’ has earned them plaudits from all reaches of the game.

The pair have become an absolutely revolutionary partnership when it comes to management. They have created an unrivalled team spirit and used it as a perfect platform to build a very formidable team upon.

Their ideas range from pre-match sing-alongs to having evening meals together as a team and Hill can only be applauded for maintaining both a friendly and professional relationship with the squad. Furthermore, it will come as no surprise to me that when any Championship jobs become available, Hill will be right up there with the front runners.

Although twelve games still remain and nerves may be creeping into the squad that this is really their year, I think it’s only a matter of time before Rochdale and their dynamic duo end the 35 years of hurt.

Written by Tom Bowers