Manager Keith Hill has been reflecting on last weekend’s League One fixture against Sheffield United, as well as looking ahead to Saturday’s derby match v Bury, in his latest Dale PlayerHD interview.
“I believe that we should be going to Sheffield United and winning and maybe not losing that game,” said Hill as he reflected on the defeat to the Blades.
“The frustration is from a little bit of selfishness because I want to be successful, but realistically are we supposed to go to Sheffield United and win? I’m trying to make it realistic within the resources of the football club.
“We were very, very close and that’s what gives me a lot of encouragement. It was frustrating after the full time whistle but that’s the measure of how far we’ve come.
“We know first-hand that at least one of their players is getting paid in excess of £300,000 per annum and that’s a big slice of our budget. We’re doing excellent and it shouldn’t all be results driven, but it is.”
Dale make the short trip to Gigg Lane on Saturday to face Bury in the local derby and Hill is looking forward to the fixture.
“We’re looking forward to representing the supporters, as we do every week.
“We’re looking to continue developing within games and pick up as many points as we possibly can. That’s my job and the aim of the football club is to continue to be productive on the pitch.
“I think Saturday’s game is possibly going to be a great spectacle, with respect to all that’s at stake - local bragging rights and the three points. We have a lot of friends within the enemy lines, if you like.
“I have a lot of respect for the way that the things are being done at Bury and I don’t think anyone can deny that they’ve got an ambition. They’re driving and striving for Championship football. We’ve got the same ambition but we’re trying to do it differently.
“Who knows what could happen over the course of 90 minutes on Saturday."
Calvin Andrew, Rhys Bennett and Ian Henderson are again doubtful, but Hill hopes he’ll be able to reintroduce the trio back into the action soon.
“I certainly hope so.
“If we had 10 games left to go then I’d be looking to recruit, but at the minute, we’ve got 34 games still to play and I’m happy to wait. I’m happy to put my trust in the players that we’ve got available and I’m happy to make sure that we don’t fall into the same chasm as a club like Northampton who’ve got a similar fan base to us but find themselves £10.25m in debt and are currently being served with a winding up order.
“I’m very, very happy with the squad of players that we’ve got and I have to be patient. I have to be less harsh on them, less harsh on myself and enjoy the season because after 46 games our first port of call has to be retaining League One status.”
The full interview is on Dale PlayerHD.