Ex-Blackburn star riding high for promotion

11:25am Monday 19th May 2008

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ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill is hoping that history is beckoning for the Lancashire outfit in the Coca-Cola League Two play-off final against Stockport.

The club that has resided in the bottom tier of English football since 1974 - the longest unbroken run in the Football League's basement division - is dreaming of Wembley glory.

Keith Hill's talented young side beat Darlington 5-4 on penalties yesterday to finally give their supporters something to cheer about.

Former Rovers defender Hill, who spent six years at Spotland as a player and took over as manager 18 months ago, turned 39 over the weekend.

He was born in 1969 - the year Rochdale last won promotion.

"We've brought young, hungry players in who wanted to be given an opportunity in the Football League," said Hill.

"It's not been a question on changing their attitudes - we've had to change the mentality of the town and the people around the football club.

"You hear, same old Rochdale, falling at the final hurdle, never achieved anything except League Two status'.

"I'm sick of hearing it and it is difficult to change the mindset of some of the supporters, I must admit.

"But they're all believing now. The majority of the crowd probably came for the first time today but hopefully they'll come back for Wembley.

"The only good thing about going to Wembley is winning and that's what we've got to do.

"We know how to win and we've got an appetite for it.

"If we keep knocking on the door then nobody will knock us back and that's the mentality we've all got."