Jimmy McNulty thanked the fans for their support during the home loss against Solihull Moors on Saturday.
Cian Hayes’ third Dale goal pulled McNulty’s men level, but a goal either side of that for the visitors saw them take the points away from the Crown Oil Arena.
Despite the conditions and being behind in the game, the Dale Head Coach had huge respect for the fans.
“My first thought is a deep admiration for our supporters, which is also what I experienced at the side of the field throughout the second half.
“After back-to-back defeats, the crowd was singing throughout the second half, and it was one of the nicest moments I can recall in a difficult time. I found them to be quite astounding.
Given that we’ve just dropped four straight games, I don’t think we can talk too much right now.
“We must exhibit humility and acknowledge the mistakes we’ve made and the costs we’ve incurred.
“However, I think a draw would have been a fair outcome, because the second-half area of the ground we played in was a swamp from which we were unable to escape. We were stuck there after they kicked it in.
“In the past few games, we’ve given up far too many goals and opportunities. Thus, each of us must go and examine ourselves, myself included.
“We just need to take our medicine, act humble, and be the team I’ve asked them to be all season.” When we win, let the noise go unnoticed; when we lose, accept the noise we earned.
But just move on and leave in the middle of all that. In the second part, I was appreciative that the On a depressing day, the supporters sang endlessly.
For the first time this season, McNulty had his entire roster at his disposal, with Devante Rodney being the most recent player to return from injury.
“It’s unchartered territory. 30 games in before having the whole squad available, is unbelievable.
“I’m glad it’s been the hard way in my first role of management. It’s been amazingly challenging at times and a learning experience.
“Take results and performances out of it, I’m grateful we’ve got those players back. It’s surprising that it’s the first time we’ve had that whole squad available and somehow, we’ve stayed in the top half of the table, which is a credit to the connection between the players and the fans.”
Watch the full interview with McNulty below via our official YouTube channel.