Ian Watson has demanded a positive reaction from his Rochdale players following their heavy weekend defeat. The head coach stressed the need for unity as his side looks to climb from 22nd place in League Two.
Speaking to the club's media, Watson acknowledged the 1-4 home loss to Gillingham was a tough result but backed his squad's character. "We’ve got an unbelievable group," Watson said. He pointed to the long-term nature of the project, with the team just five games into the season, and said external criticism would not distract him from his work.
Injury update
Watson confirmed no players will return from injury for the upcoming trip to face Walsall. However, there is progress for defenders Laurence Maguire and Cian Hayes, who have been back in training for the last ten days and are nearing a return. Sam Beckwith is also recovering well after receiving an injection, though his comeback is not imminent as the club manages the issue for his long-term availability.
Looking ahead
The immediate focus is Saturday's visit to Walsall, a side unbeaten in their first five games with two wins and three draws. Their head coach, Lee Grant, was recently nominated for the league's Manager of the Month award. Rochdale's last outing against them was a goalless draw on 12 September. Watson's message to his players was clear. "you have to respond to it, because your career will be defined by how you come back in the next day and work to be the best you can."
The defeat to Gillingham, where Charlie Tasker scored a late consolation, leaves Dale with three points from five matches. They have scored five goals but conceded ten. The challenge is significant, with the team nine points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers.
Watson reiterated his commitment to the club that appointed him, saying he is focused solely on helping the players improve. Attention now turns to preparing for a tough away day at the Bescot Stadium. After that, the schedule brings a local derby against Oldham at Spotland on 19 September. Oldham currently sit 10th in the table, adding another layer of difficulty to Dale's quest for points. The squad's injury list and current league position are detailed on our injuries and standings pages.
