Reviewing 2025/26

A last second goal prevented Rochdale from going up automatically, but thankfully, the right team prevailed through the play offs. Having finished on 106 points, it would have been extremely harsh for Dale not to have gone up. During the regular season, they were in the box seat with 5 games to go, but finished with 2 wins, 2 draws and an awful home defeat to Morecambe who were battling in vain against relegation.

Looking ahead to 2026/27

After last season, you might expect Rochdale to push on. 106 points means they basically won every week. But there is a gap between non league and league football and their start will be critical.

They've released 13 players this summer which is unusual for a newly promoted club, whilst only 5 have arrived. However, of those 5 you have t admit they've done well. 2 solid young loan signings and exciting midfielder Will Jenkins has been brought in from South Shields after an impressive showing last season.

Court Offside Tip

New additions to League Two and as such, they'll be more than happy to finish 17th as predicted. The bookies think that's about right having them 33/1 for the title, but newly promoted teams are always ones to watch in the opening few weeks. If they can carry that momentum on from last season, who knows. I think I'll be saving my money on anything hopeful here though.