Defeat and Disappointment

Rochdale's captain, Ebanks-Landell, admitted the 3-0 defeat to Newport County on the opening day was far from satisfactory. The defender, making his 170th appearance for the club, acknowledged the team's lack of impact and called for greater togetherness. 'It wasn’t a good enough performance on a whole,' he said, stressing the need for patience as the club adapts to the new league and manager.

New Era, New Challenges

Ebanks-Landell emphasized the difficulties of transitioning to a new squad, league, and coaching philosophy. 'It’s a new squad, new league, new manager. It’s going to be difficult at times, but we have to stick together as a whole club,' he said. The defender praised the previous three years of unity, noting the fans' critical role in the club's recent success. 'We’ve worked so hard to be back in the EFL, as they have,' he added.

Fan Support and Outlook

The captain expressed confidence in the fans' continued support, recalling the 'bouncing' atmosphere at home. 'I’ve got no doubt that the fans will be there to cheer us on,' he said. The team's focus now shifts to Saturday's match, with Ebanks-Landell urging a stronger performance. The full interview is available on Rochdale's official YouTube channel.