Rochdale Primed to Conquer National League and Return to Elite Football
A spot in the Football League seems like an insurmountable challenge for many teams, but not Rochdale. The club, which narrowly avoided liquidation last year, has been reinvigorated under new manager Jimmy McNulty and is now sitting pretty at the top of the National League.
With 19 wins from their 24 games so far, Dale is well on course to secure an automatic promotion spot, a feat that has proven elusive for even the biggest clubs. Wrexham, despite their Hollywood-backed status, took three seasons to crack the code, and many other teams are still chasing the top four spots.
Rochdale's latest victory over Eastleigh was a demonstration of their dominance on the pitch, with Tarryn Allarakhia scoring two goals in a 2-0 win. The home side's superiority was evident from the start, but it took until the 54th minute for them to break down their opponents.
While Dale still have some challenges ahead, including three consecutive away games and a new pitch that will be relaid next month, McNulty is optimistic about his team's chances. "We're very proud of our home record," he said after the win. "All credit to the team, they deserve what they're getting right now."
The National League has become an obstacle course, with many teams battling for a spot in the Football League. Carlisle and Southend have been in League One in recent years, while Forest Green Rovers featured in the EFL as recently as 2024. York and Scunthorpe are also strong contenders, and Hartlepool is lurking outside the top seven.
Rochdale's promotion push will undoubtedly be a thrilling ride for their fans, who are hoping to see their team return to the Football League after a 102-year absence. With three points in hand on many of their rivals, plus a healthy goal difference, Dale seems primed to take advantage of any slip-ups from their competitors.
As the season enters its final stretch, the "3UP" campaign is gaining traction, with high-profile managers like Robbie Savage and Mark Hughes backing teams vying for promotion. It's clear that Rochdale are serious contenders, but only time will tell if they can navigate the treacherous path to success.
A spot in the Football League seems like an insurmountable challenge for many teams, but not Rochdale. The club, which narrowly avoided liquidation last year, has been reinvigorated under new manager Jimmy McNulty and is now sitting pretty at the top of the National League.
With 19 wins from their 24 games so far, Dale is well on course to secure an automatic promotion spot, a feat that has proven elusive for even the biggest clubs. Wrexham, despite their Hollywood-backed status, took three seasons to crack the code, and many other teams are still chasing the top four spots.
Rochdale's latest victory over Eastleigh was a demonstration of their dominance on the pitch, with Tarryn Allarakhia scoring two goals in a 2-0 win. The home side's superiority was evident from the start, but it took until the 54th minute for them to break down their opponents.
While Dale still have some challenges ahead, including three consecutive away games and a new pitch that will be relaid next month, McNulty is optimistic about his team's chances. "We're very proud of our home record," he said after the win. "All credit to the team, they deserve what they're getting right now."
The National League has become an obstacle course, with many teams battling for a spot in the Football League. Carlisle and Southend have been in League One in recent years, while Forest Green Rovers featured in the EFL as recently as 2024. York and Scunthorpe are also strong contenders, and Hartlepool is lurking outside the top seven.
Rochdale's promotion push will undoubtedly be a thrilling ride for their fans, who are hoping to see their team return to the Football League after a 102-year absence. With three points in hand on many of their rivals, plus a healthy goal difference, Dale seems primed to take advantage of any slip-ups from their competitors.
As the season enters its final stretch, the "3UP" campaign is gaining traction, with high-profile managers like Robbie Savage and Mark Hughes backing teams vying for promotion. It's clear that Rochdale are serious contenders, but only time will tell if they can navigate the treacherous path to success.
i mean seriously, how hard is it to stay up? rochdale is probs gonna do it tho, they got a sick new manager and their home record is fire 
don't get me wrong, wrexham has that hollywood cash but lets be real, its not the same as just grinding it out every week. gotta respect rochdale for keeping it real and trying to make a comeback after almost getting liquidated last year 
! 19 wins from 24 games? That's crazy talk! They've definitely got the momentum going for them, and with McNulty at the helm, I think they're gonna be a real force to be reckoned with. Wrexham may have had the Hollywood backing, but they still took three seasons to get there... so yeah, let's not count Rochdale out just yet! 
Their home record is looking solid, and they've got the goalscoring machine in Allarakhia - that 2-0 win over Eastleigh was a highlight reel moment for sure! I'm loving the "3UP" campaign too... it's great to see some top managers backing their teams to get promoted. Now, let me ask you, do you think they can really do it? 
gotta be proud of their team spirit and new manager jimmy mcnulty 
And now they're sitting pretty at the top of the National League? Sounds too good to be true. Where's the source on that "new manager Jimmy McNulty" guy? Who is he and how did he turn this team around so quickly? I need some proof before I start jumping up and down about Rochdale's promotion hopes 
. also, have you seen their home record? 19 wins in 10 games, that's some serious momentum 
rochdale is definitely on track to get promoted, with a healthy goal difference and tons of points in hand! 
their home record is unbeatable right now, and i'm loving the confidence from jimmy mcnulty 
they deserve a promotion after all that hard work!
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! The National League is getting more intense by the day, and it's awesome to see Rochdale on fire 
. Their team spirit and chemistry are undeniable, and Jimmy McNulty is doing a fantastic job of motivating them 
.
. Of course, there are still challenges ahead, but I think Rochdale's squad depth and squad cohesion will take them far 
. Fingers crossed they make it back to League football in style 
️!
! Their resurgence under Jimmy McNulty is no surprise considering they've been rebuilding their team and squad since last season. 19 wins in 24 games? That's some serious momentum 
.
. Carlisle, York, Scunthope... these are all strong contenders too, so you've got a real dogfight on your hands 
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! The fans must be over the moon 
. I'm definitely keeping an eye on this team and how they navigate the final stretch of the season 
.