On Air Now

Lunchtime with Joe

Noon - 2:00pm

Now Playing

Jean Knight

Mr Big Stuff

Listen Live Watch

Rochdale AFC promotion heroes welcomed home after Wembley triumph

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 21:00

By David Murphy

Credit: David Murphy / Roch Valley Radio

Hundreds of Rochdale AFC fans gathered at Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate the club’s return to the Football League.

Players and coaching staff were welcomed at a civic reception hosted by Mayor of Rochdale Janet Emsley after Dale’s National League play off final win over Boreham Wood at Wembley.

Rochdale came from 2 0 down on Sunday before winning 3 1 on penalties, with goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff saving two spot kicks.

Supporters filled the town hall square as the squad displayed their medals and the National League Promotion Final trophy.

Co chairman Cameron Ogden said “The one word that keeps being repeated about Rochdale is resilience.”

He added “The message from our family is we love this town, we love the people and we love this football club.”

12 of 103

More Galleries

Parklife 2026 Day One
Prestwich Carnival 2026
ELR Vintage Vibes 2026 - Sat 24 May 26
Rochdale AFC Promotion Party - Tuesday 12 May 2026
Credit: David Murphy

Share

 

Club captain Ethan Ebanks Landell and record goal scorer Ian Henderson lifted the trophy on stage as fans chanted for Dale.

Whatmuff said “I don’t think it has sunk in properly yet. It’s still surreal.

“I didn’t realise how much this means to everyone. It was tough missing out against York but the gaffer kept us going and this team is something special. We never give up.”

Mayor Janet Emsley said “I have supported Rochdale since 1968 and have followed them through the ups and down.

“People have been down on them but they never give up and as Cameron said, they are resilient. I was on the edge of my seat at Wembley but you knew they wouldn’t give up.

“This is good for the club and it’s good for the town and it really should be celebrated.”

Share

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local Sports

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Lunchtime with Joe

    Noon - 2:00pm

    bringing you a wide mix of music and chat during your lunch break.

  • Monday Gospel

    2:00pm - 3:00pm

    with Mary Walsh bring you a wide-ranging gospel music from all over the world.

  • Monday Drivetime

    3:00pm - 6:00pm

    with Alexandra and James getting you home on your favourite Drivetime station.

  • Retro City

    6:00pm - 8:00pm

    Steven Cummiskey spends some time in Retro City, where we take you back to the good old days. Playing a variety of music, with some gems and obscurities. We also focus on what happens on this day, with number ones, birthday and TV shows airing.

  • Music Mix

    8:00pm - 10:00pm

    Roch Valley Radio is with you 24/7 with our great mix of music!

  • Ellis

    10:00pm - Midnight

    with Ellis Richardson

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.