2004/2005 Preview - Rochdale

LAST SEASON

21st for Rochdale last season - five point above the drop zone but I am sure they will agree that it was too close for comfort?

WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN UP TO THIS SUMMER?

It's been a busy summer for Steve Parkin in the Rochdale hotseat. Out of the door have gone Matt Doughty, Michael Simpkins, Chris Beech, Neil Redfearn, Shaun Smith, Sean Mcclare, Stephen Hill, Simond Grand, Lee McEvilly and Rory Paterson.

Replacing them so far have been Paul Tait, Ashley Probets, Jamie Clarke, Chris Armstrong and Neil Brisco.

WHO ARE THEIR FAMOUS FANS?

Only half a celebrity duet for Rochdale - Tommy Cannon is reported to be a fan

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ROCHDALE

1. The metropolitan borough of Rochdale -sounds good doesn't it. Basically I think it means its a suburb of Manchester ;-)

2. Gracie Fields is the most famous offspring of Rochdale, a list which also includes Steve Coogan, Lisa Stansfield, Brookside Lesbian Anna Friel and slimmer of the year Cyril Smith

3. In 1871, the Victorian Gothic Town Hall was completed - does that mean it is all black?

4. Bet you didn't know that Rochdale lies on the river Roch. Genuinely.

5. Rochdale is one of the 88 most deprived local authority areas - read into that whatever you choose!

ARE WE ANY GOOD AGAINST OXFORD?

Quite good yes. Just 10 defeats in 36 games with 50 goals scored against their 40. Just 3 defeats in the last 14 meetings as well bodes well for the Swans. For the full list of results, click here

WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM?

Swans opening away match of the season is against Rochdale on August 10 while the return at the Vetch is played on March 12th.

IF I WANT TO FIND OUT MORE WHERE DO I GO?

No need to go anywhere else other than their Rivals site?

WHAT ARE THEIR CHANCES NEXT SEASON?

A big apology to all Rochdale fans but I think next season will be another struggle for you. I think you have just a little too much to go down but bottom six is my prediction.

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?