We head to Rochdale as we look to continue our unbeaten run
In the Dugout
Having had a few spells as a caretaker manager, Robbie Stockdale was appointed first-team manager of Rochdale in July of this year after Brian Barry-Murphy resigned in June.
Stockdale on tomorrow's game "I think it's really important that we just focus on the next game because it'll be tough against Port Vale who are a good team but we feel if we are at our best we can beat anybody. They're a good team, a strong team. They've got some good experience, especially in the forward line."
Man with the Armband
Defender Eoghan O’Connell captains the Dale who signed for the club in 2019. He joined Celtic’s Academy in 2011 where he made seven appearances as well as going on loan to Oldham Athletic, Cork City, and Walsall between 2015 and 2017. He signed a deal at Bury in 2017 and played for two years before they were expelled from the EFL.
The centre-half has played 35 games this season and has picked up three assists and eight yellow cards.
Star Man
Max Clark began his youth career at Hull City and moved up to the first team in 2014. He made his professional debut in 2016 on loan at Cambridge United. Two years later he signed permanently for Vitesse before returning to Hull in 2021 and then to Fleetwood Town in the same year. He signed for tomorrow’s hosts in January 2022.
Max Clark has played in every game since signing for Rochdale, one substitute appearance and five stars. The midfielder has scored once so far for the Dale, in a 3-3 draw with Harrogate Town.
Top Scorer
Rochdale’s top scorer is forward Jake Beesley with 12 goals in all competitions who is no longer at the club. Next on the list are Alex Newby, Liam Kelly and Josh Andrews who all have five goals in all competitions.
Last time out and recent form
Rochdale have drawn three, lost one and won once. The three draws were against Oldham Athletic, Colchester United and Harrogate. The defeat came against league leaders Forest Green Rovers and the win came in their last game.
Scunthorpe United took the lead on 13 minutes through Emmanuel Onariase but early in the second half Liam Kelly equalised for the visitors. Max Taylor scored the winning goal with just seven minutes remaining.
Their Home
Spotland or the Crown Oil Arena has a capacity of 10,000 and was opened back in 1878. In 2013 the stadium hosted a Rugby League World Cup tie between Fiji and Ireland with 9,000 fans in attendance. The Crown Oil Arena currently host both Rochdale AFC and the Rugby League Club Rochdale Hornets. 
How to get there
By Road (Please use OL11 5DR for Sat Navs)
From either the East or West via the M62: The Crown Oil Arena is just over two miles from junction 20 of the M62. Follow signs for Rochdale along the A627(M). At the first set of traffic lights keep left, signposted Bury and Rochdale Town Centre. Bunnings Warehouse will be on your right-hand side, follow this road until the next set of traffic lights. Here you need to be in the second lane of four lanes, to head straight across (signposted Blackburn). Follow this road (Roch Valley Way) until the next set of traffic lights, remaining in the left-hand lane. At the traffic lights go straight ahead onto Sandy Lane (the Cemetery pub should be on your right-hand side). Continue along this road and the Stadium is on your right-hand side after approximately half a mile.
By Rail
Rochdale train station, which is served by trains from Manchester Victoria and Leeds, is around 2.5 miles and a 45-minute walk from the Crown Oil Arena. Taxis are available outside the station at a cost of around £7/£8.
By Bus
You can find our local bus timetables HERE.
The Crown Oil Arena is around a 25-minute walk from Rochdale Town Centre.
WHERE TO PARK
The Crown Oil Arena has a small car park which can accommodate guests and staff only. Street parking is available around the stadium. However, please be aware that parking restrictions are in place in the yellow coned areas – these are monitored by traffic control. Please park courteously in public areas.