NL 2025/26 Preview: Rochdale

7th July 2025 4:53 pm

Rochdale – 2025/26 Season Preview: Fresh Energy or Familiar Frustration?

Rochdale head into 2025/26 with quiet optimism—tempered by a clear need for a new mindset when the pressure is on. Last season, Spotland saw flashes of a team capable of promotion, but when it mattered most, Dale faltered, winning just one of 12 key games against top-seven opponents and fluffing their lines in an agonising Trophy semi-final defeat to Spennymoor Town. For many supporters, that stat sums up the Jimmy McNulty era so far: structured, sometimes stylish, but too often cautious, and lacking the belief to seize defining moments.

There’s hope that the arrival of Jason Taylor as assistant manager will inject fresh energy and steel, both in the dressing room and on the pitch, to challenge the complacency that crept in last season. Fans see Taylor as “his own man” with the potential to demand more from a squad that proved it can play fast, direct football when unshackled—and the feeling around Spotland is that a change in mentality, not wholesale changes in personnel, could be the key to unlocking a promotion charge.

Off the pitch, supporters are buoyed by a revitalised relationship with the council and the community, the reintroduction of U8-U16 teams to rebuild the youth pathway, and clearer, more transparent communication from the Ogden-led boardroom. Bridges are being rebuilt around the club, and while stadium upgrades and off-field ambitions will take time, there’s a sense that Rochdale is finally waking up again. Now, it’s over to McNulty and Taylor to show they can translate that momentum into a team that plays to win when it matters most.

2024/25 Season in Review

Final Position: 4th
Average Attendance: 2,677 (6th highest)
FA Cup: First Round – lost 3–4 at home to Bromley
FA Trophy: Semi-final – lost on penalties to Spennymoor Town
Top Scorer: Devante Rodney (19 goals)

Looking ahead to 2025/26

Off the pitch, Co-Chairman Cameron Ogden outlined improvements including a strengthened leadership team, a successful partnership with new ticketing provider Fanbase, a new stewarding partner, and further enhancements to fan engagement through the Club Advisory Board and a new Fan Liaison Officer. Pitch maintenance remains a challenge, with a full rebuild cost-prohibitive, but plans are in place to better protect the surface with strict cover regimes, new lightweight rugby posts, and a volunteer programme to support ground staff. Ogden thanked fans for purchasing over 1,200 season tickets already and expressed his excitement to welcome supporters back to the Crown Oil Arena for the 25/26 campaign.

2025/26 Squad Overview

Rochdale have strengthened smartly ahead of the new season with experienced and versatile additions across the pitch. Up front, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe arrives with a proven National League scoring record, having netted 39 goals over the last two seasons at Hartlepool, and brings physical presence and promotion know-how from spells with Salford and Grimsby.

At the back, the signing of left-sided defender David Tutonda from Morecambe adds over 260 games of EFL and National League experience, while right-back Dan Moss, who impressed with Woking, brings energy and adaptability after over 130 National League appearances. Bryce Hosannah also joins with valuable National League experience, adding pace and attacking threat down either flank while providing competition and depth in wide areas. These additions give Rochdale a solid, seasoned spine, aligning with Jimmy McNulty’s vision for a side ready to challenge at the top end of the division.

In midfield, Rochdale have added creativity and youth with Anthony Gomez-Mancini and Liam Humbles. Gomez-Mancini, a technically gifted attacking midfielder with experience at Hartlepool and in France’s youth setup, will look to bring flair and a forward-thinking spark to the Crown Oil Arena. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Humbles, who spent last season gaining National League experience with Altrincham and Gateshead, offers energy, versatility, and potential to grow into an EFL-level player within McNulty’s system. Together, this recruitment drive signals a clear intent from Rochdale: to blend experience with youthful promise as they target a strong National League campaign and push for a return to the EFL.

Signings and retained list

New signings: Dan Moss (Woking) – described by fans as fearless and tough-tackling, Bryce Hosannah (AFC Fylde), Liam Humbles (Salford City), Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (Rochdale), Anthony Gomez-Mancini (Rochdale), David Tutonda (Morecambe), Casey Pettit (Maidenhead Utd), Tom Myles (Manchester United), Levi Amantchi (loan, Walsall), Oliver Whatmuff (Manchester City, loan), Joe Pritchard (Oldham)
Retained: Kyron Gordon, Finlay Armstrong, Ryan East, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Sam Beckwith, Harvey Gilmour, Tarryn Allarakhia, Aidan Barlow, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Devante Rodney, Jake Burger, Ian Henderson (still going!), Connor McBride, Corey Edwards, Liam Hogan.

Departures

Departed: Kyle Ferguson, Brad Kelly, Kairo Mitchell (Forest Green Rovers), Courtney Senior, Charlie Weston
Loan exits: Killian Barrett, Sam Waller, Leon Ayinde, Jay Bird (since signed for Salford City from Exeter), Jack Kingdon, Jid Okeke, Jili Buyabu

Rumour mill

Rumoured Targets: Nick Haughton (ex-Fylde) is doing the rounds on X (Twitter) – prolific, set-piece king, and might add a sprinkle of flair to Dale’s midfield if it materialises. As of 6 August, it appears Haughton has signed for rivals Forest Green instead.

Fans view

There’s a quiet but growing sense among Rochdale fans that this season needs to be the one where “close” finally becomes “done.” Last season’s fourth-placed finish showed McNulty’s system can work, but in a two-up league, near misses can’t become a habit. The signings of Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, David Tutonda, Bryce Hosannah and Dan Moss have been well received, with supporters praising the club for bringing in proven National League quality without reckless spending, and there’s a sense that these targeted moves align with the club’s push for progress rather than stagnation.

The message on the Dale forum is clear: this is the best window the club has had at this level in years, but it isn’t quite complete yet. Fans are calling for a commanding goalkeeper to anchor the defence and a touch more creativity or width to turn possession into goals when it matters most. There’s belief in McNulty’s clear tactical identity and appreciation for the club’s financial prudence, but supporters also recognise that adding a killer instinct could be the difference between another “nearly” season and a genuine promotion push.

Promotion isn’t yet a demand from the fanbase, but it’s starting to feel overdue. With solid foundations, a strengthened spine, and an ownership backing McNulty’s approach, supporters are optimistic about an enjoyable season with football worth watching. Now, it’s about seeing if this squad can gel, stay fit, and deliver on the promise many feel has been quietly building at the Crown Oil Arena.

Prediction

Play-off bound
Dale aren’t favourites, but with a settled core, a few sharp additions, and the pain of last season as fuel, they could be dangerous. Dieseruvwe is 15–20 goal source alongside Rodney that they’ve been crying out for; maybe, it could be their year. 5th.