Ground: Spotland

Capacity: 9,195

Last season: 19th

Manager: Steve Parkin

Ins: Dave Flitcroft midfielder from Chester City on a Bosman; Tony Ford defender from Mansfield,free; Steve Lenagh defender from Chesterfield, free; Wayne Evans defender from Walsall, free; Graeme Atkinson winger from Scarborough,free.

Outs: Robbie Painter striker to Halifax Town, free; Andy Farrell striker to Morecambe, free; Mark Leonard striker retired; Ian Bryson midfielder released; Mark Stuart midfielder released; Mark Bailey midfielder released.

Chances: Under new management is the hopeful sign at Spotland, where excitement was at a premium last season.Dale are now led by ex-Mansfield boss Steve Parkin, who many believe will restore more of a spectacle from the dour days of his predecessor Graham Barrow. "We never lost heavily, but then we never scored many, so it can't get any worse," bemoaned one long-time observer. Pre-season looked more attractive and Dale have the League's most heavily played performer in new assistant manager Tony Ford, closing in on 800 League appearances.

One to watch: Neil Edwards. Goalkeeper, who kept Rochdale in many a game last season during which he also saved five penalties.

Title odds: 33-1.