Rochdale are the visitors to The New Lawn on Saturday for Forest Green Rovers’ final home National League fixture for January.
During our most recent meeting with the Dale, back at the beginning of the season, the points were shared in a goalless draw at The Crown Oil Arena.
Ahead of the Dale’s visit to Nailsworth, here is everything Rovers fans need to know about our opponents.
THE OPPOSITION - ROCHDALE
The Dale will be refreshed heading into this fixture having not played since January 8th due to the recent weather conditions but before that had lost just one of their last six games in all competitions.
In the league itself, the Dale have picked up three wins in their last five, losing the other two against Wealdstone and Dagenham & Redbridge.
That form sees them sit in the final play-off spot (7th) and have enjoyed spending the majority of the season battling around this area.
IN THE DUGOUT - JIM MCNULTY
Jim McNulty is still enjoying his first full time managerial role having taken the hot seat in 2023 following two spells as caretaker manager at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.
McNulty in that period has managed over 70 games for the Dale winning over 30 of those matches in his tenure proving how positive his impact has been on the club since retiring at Dale in 2023.
The 39-year-old also finished his playing career at the Crown Oil Stadium, signing in 2015 before hanging up his boots in 2023 making over 200 appearances for the club.
PLAYER TO WATCH - KAIRO MITCHELL
Kairo Mitchell has been a lethal spark for McNulty’s side finding the net on 11 occassions in 21 appearances this season.
The 27-year-old forward bagged a brace in the Dale’s 3-1 win over AFC Fylde in their last fixture.
Mitchell also enjoyed a hot streak between August and September scoring in seven successive games notching up nine goals in that time.
DALE’S FORM
08.01.25 – Rochdale (p)0-0 Stockton Town (FA Trophy Fourth Round)
26.12.24 – AFC Fylde 1-3 Rochdale
17.12.24 – Rochdale 3-0 Tamworth
14.12.24 – Dagenham & Redbridge 1-0 Rochdale
10.12.24 - Leamington 0-2 Rochdale (FA Trophy Third Round)
