Boss’ blast over ‘insane’ schedule
DALE boss Jim Mcnulty couldn’t hide his anger over the weekend fixture scheduling following Monday’s last-gasp win at Yeovil Town.
Although delighted with the win, it came at a heavy price as Dale lost captain Ethan Ebankslandell with a hamstring injury before Connor Mcbride scored the only goal in the 91st minute just 48 hours after Dale had drawn 0-0 with Forest Green Rovers.
Although naturally pleased to make the long journey home with three National League points in the bag, Mcnulty unleashed his fury on ‘the mutilation of players.
He said: “I’m going to get my moans out of the way first.
“I think what has happened today with the
National League schedule “It’s a complete farce so it just leaves a really bitter take the ball off the other, “I know they had is a complete shambles. and because of it we’ve taste”. both teams were giving moments and I know we
“I’m devastated we’ve lost our captain who has Although furious with the ball away to each other had moments but I know lost our captain (Ethan been a massive presence being forced to play twice and that’s because we’re it was all going our way Ebanks-landell). for us and gives everything in 48 hours, Mcnulty was asking them to do something late on and I thought if
“We’ve lost our captain for us all the time delighted with the spirit ridiculous. anyone was going to win it because we’ve asked him and is a really important shown by his players. “I told the players after it was going to be us. to play a game two days player for the team and He said: “I’m delighted the game ‘there’s no way “We started to find after the last one which is I’m devastated we’ve lost for the squad. I’m going to criticise you energy on the pitch and completely insane. him. “And we are squad, not today. You’re being asked we were dangerous down
“So after the first Saturday “I thought it was bonkers a team and I think we to do something that the sides and we found a - Tuesday - Saturday going into and I’m highlighted that. doesn’t happen in professional way in because of that. game week and then even more angry afterwards”. “All the changes that sport’ and they’re “I’m so proud of the chuck in a Monday game were made were necessary, not being treated like professional squad for finding a way to which I think is a pure At present, Mcnulty is that’s the changes athletes. make us all happy and my mutliation of the players’ in the dark over how long before the game. “So for me to start talking hat goes off to the fans. protection. his skipper will be out of “The changes in-game about their skills or “I spoke to a few of them
“In the Premier League action. and during half time were technicality, it’s not fair. before the game and I told there would have been He continued: “I just necessary and that just “But they showed unbelievable them I take my hat off to two completely different don’t know, it’s too soon highlights what a squad guts, dug in deep them. elevens on the field to say. It’s never nice when we are. and gave each other everything “Coming all the way because they can afford to you see players moving at “Without the squad and they found a down here on a Bank Holiday, do that. speed like that and he just today we don’t do what we way to win the game”. they made noise and
“They don’t do that to collapsed. did in the second half to And Mcnulty says the they were patient. teams at the top with the “He was unable to use find a way. pattern of the game meant “It was a strange game best recovery, the best his leg, his hamstring “And I think that’s what it could have gone either and I’m delighted we modes of transport. completely went so I just we had to do today, we way, but suggest Dale came out on top.
“There’s a six hour journey don’t know. had to find a way. were just about on top. “I want the team to possess involved in this (away “He’s never had hamstring “It was one of the slowest He said: “I’m not really the traits that I feel to Yeovil) which is completely problems before so games I’ve ever seen sure who should have should be natural to a ridiculous for Yeovil there’s no knowledge on from both teams. won the game, I’m a bit Rochdale team and hopefully also. his part of what that’s like “No team could really unclear on that. what was natural to
Published by Reach plc, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP. Registered in England & Wales No. 82548. Printed by Reach Printing Services, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8EP. me when I was Rochdale player.
“I didn’t always get it right but this could be a game we look back on where we showed a real togetherness and resilience.
“We’re happy with the result but I know we’ll pay for it in the weeks to come with what we’ve lost today and I’m saddened by it”.
Dale are back home this weekend when they entertain Woking.