Bath University Rochdale
Keen Supporters (The BURKS)
Last update 8th November 2009
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Welcome to the
home page of some of Rochdale AFC's semi-detached
supporters from down south, now in their 31st season of following the 'Dale. This is
accessed via: http://www.theburks.org
·
Formed on 4th
November 1978 (Rochdale 2, Crewe Alexandra 1),
the BURKS have been following the 'Dale's footballing fortunes through thick
and (mainly) thin ever since. Loyal to the club in the face of adversity, the
BURKS match attendances from December '79 to November '83 went without seeing a
single win. And then it was not until May 1985 that another win could be
celebrated! Read a little more about the history of the BURKS here.
Season
2009-2010
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The BURKS season
got off to a winning start with a 2-1 win at Northampton Town Crystal Palace
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It was just like
watching Brazil
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There is ever a
dull moment watching Dale these days! This was very much the case for the 12
BURKS who went to Luton for FA Cup Round One. The
gloom of being 3 down after 28 minutes was removed with a great second half
performance that was capped off with two goals in the last 3 minutes from Joe
Thompson to earn Dale a 3-3 draw. The match was also notable for the
introduction of a new pre-match beer drinking record for the BURKS veterans
(Over 50’s). First holders of the record are Chris Bates and Alan Wilson with a
meagre total of 3 pints.
A spreadsheet gives full details of BURKS attendances this season(2009-10).
Season
2008-2009
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The BURKS season
got under way with a 2-1 win at Notts County , watched by four BURKS (the local Nottingham Contingent plus Chris & Robbie Bates
making the most of half-term break).
·
The kind
turnstile operators at Brentford took pity on some of the 9 BURKS attending and
admitting some into the ground as seniors. Another great 2-1 win was made the
sweeter this season by not having to watch the Boat Race after the game!
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Cup fever hit
Barnet a week later, where 15 BURKS saw a rather low-key 1-1 draw. Howard Bell
became the fourth BURK to hit the milestone of 200 caps. Howard’s 100th
Cap was also in the cup, the famous match at Gretna
·
4 BURKS braved a
cold night for the midweek match at Gillingham ,
where Dale took a creditable point. A great save by Sam Russell kept us in the
game at 1-0 before Adam le Fondre majestically curled a twenty yarder into the
top right hand corner for a share of the spoils.
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A very
disappointing defeat at Forest Green Rovers in
the second round of the cup was seen by 6 BURKS. No complaints, as Dale were
beaten by the better side who were clearly ‘up’ for the match. Good luck to FGR
in the next round.
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The 4-1 tonking
at Exeter Exeter Exeter
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Nine BURKS came
away from the game at Dagenham & Redbridge wondering how this one got away.
A very encouraging attacking performance was under minded when we conceded two
late goals. If only Evil had buried his last minute chance.
·
A great first
half performance by Dale saw a 4-0 scoreline to “The Football League” and was
seen by 13 BURKS, including 4 making their debut. A special mention for Pete
Crouch, who got his second cap 23 years and 8 months after his first.
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Only three BURKS
attended the midweek game at Barnet, where Dale’s promotion push was dented
with a 2-1 defeat in wet and windy conditions. It would have been four BURKS,
but the Webmaster had to ‘watch’ the match from his hospital bed on the Sky
Sports vidiprinter.
·
In the spring
sunshine at Wycombe, 12 BURKS saw Dale put on a great performance that was
rewarded with a last minute goal to win the game 1-0. The match saw an
unbelievable ‘miss’ by Wycombe in the first half, after Frank Fielding lost the
ball on the touchline, he somehow managed to chase back, put in a tackle and
then get back in the goal to make a save!
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The BURKS
retirees saw the disappointing 3-0 midweek defeat at Chesterfield Nottingham Forest
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Promotion
jitters and a very poor performance at Bournemouth
was seen by 11 BURKS. The mood at the end was in total contrast to the euphoria
following the win at Wycombe. It reminded us of the reason we all support Rochdale in the first place.
·
A strong second
half performance at Luton after a half-time
shake up was seen by eight BURKS. The draw was enough to secure a successive
place in the play-offs and a great achievement by the club. When walking into
the ground it was strange to walk under someone’s bedroom having gone through
the turnstile. Good luck to Luton in their bid
to get back in the league next season.
·
Bob Champion,
son Connor and two new caps saw the end of season home defeat by Gillingham . Bob has managed 4 caps this season. His
previous 4 caps spanned 9 years!
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The play-off
semi final defeat at Gillingham was seen by 7
BURKS. A valiant effort from Dale was not quite enough and we could have
snatched an equaliser at the death. It has been a really good season, with the
highlight being the win at Wycombe. We will be back again next year, with some
familiar venues back on the scene. Up the Dale!
Season 2007 /
2008
·
A rather subdued
start to our thirtieth season supporting the 'Dale. A solo appearance at Edgar Street Hereford
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Nine BURKS made
it to Roots Hall to see another swift departure from the FA Cup.
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A great result
at Wycombe was seen by 6 BURKS. Founder member Chris Bates celebrated his 250th
Cap and Barry Gigg, his 50th. To celebrate Chris’ 50th
birthday, he his being treated to a VIP trip to Spotland in April and has 3
months to choose which records to be played in his honour at half time!
·
A battling
performance at MK Dons was seen by 8 BURKS, where a great penalty save by Sam
Russell and a Gary Jones goal inspired 10 man Rochdale to a memorable win. 10
men, we only need 10 men!
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Two BURKS made
their short trip to Notts
County
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Another great
away win at Brentford was seen by 7 BURKS, including Keith Bridges, who waited
18 years to attend his second match having made is debut at Maidstone in April
1990. Keith, see you again in 2026!
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BURKS legend
Chris Bates enjoyed a VIP day at Spotland for the game against Grimsby,
accompanied by his son Robbie, brother Ed and nephew Charlie and along with
Phil Mair and son Jimmy, a great day was had by all. Rene Howe’s hat-trick in
the 3-1 win was the icing on the cake.
·
Ten BURKS braved
the weather for the 1-1 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge, where with better
finishing we could have taken all 3 points.
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Playoff
Heaven in the White Horse, Swanage
An unfortunate
scheduling of the playoff semi final meant it clashed with the annual BURKS
Boyos weekend, which this year was on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. Chris Bates’
best efforts to get to Spotland were thwarted by the trains, so he had come
along for the weekend. The decision was made to watch the game in nearby
Swanage. “It’s only 3 miles to Swanage – there’s plenty of time” was the cry as
we set off along the cliff path at 9:30. As time moved on it became clear we
were not going to get there in time for the kick-off and even more
frustratingly at 12:00 we were still out of mobile phone range! By 12:15, we
were in range and had a feint 2 minutes of commentary over Chris’ phone before
that went dead. And then the phone rang “We’re one down – dodgy penalty” was
the cry from Chris. Gloom and doom set in as we eventually got into Swanage at
12:35. Soaking wet, we trooped into the White Horse, where Tom, the operative
of the controls for the 63 inch plasma changed it from Cup Final It’s a
Knockout to the big match.
Within 3 minutes
of sitting down, it was back to 1-1, hope was restored. Then a big sigh of
relief when Darlo hit the bar, was followed by periods of doubt that Dale were
going to score. That is until the wonder strike by David Perkins sent the nine
of us into raptures and some looks from the locals as to why a group of wet
blokes in walking gear were dancing around their pub!
It could have
gone either way in extra time before the most nerve wracking penalty shoot out
of all time, much worse than watching England
Then in the
evening, the first ever BURKS discussion on how much to spend on tickets for a
Wembley final! How many for £36? How many for £46? Alan Wilson later assumed
that in true BURKS style we would opt for £26. But it will down to every BURK
to make their choice as to where to watch the game from and to enjoy the big
day. As for me, £80.
The pub
rendezvous is 12:00, lets make sure we don’t set off for the ground too late,
or will have to find another White Horse. Hang on - White Horse, Wembley.
Anyone remember 1923?
Wembley Woes
It wasn’t to be
for Rochdale, as a record BURKS turnout of 48 saw a valiant Dale performance
fall short against a good Stockport side. My
experience of the day was hampered by having the flu, getting wet on the walk
from the Tube Station and not being let into the pub at 1:30 didn’t help!
BURKS Record
Broken
·
With the season
concluding at Wembley, a BURK record was broken by Arthur Bell. Father of one
of the BURKS legends Howard Bell, Arthur eclipsed the record held by the late
Ron Webb (a legend himself in the history of Braintree Town FC and non-league
football) and pushed the record out to 78 years 346 days. Can Alan Wilson stay
off the cigars long enough to beat it?
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Details of BURKS
support over the years can be accessed with the following link:
· BURKS peerage
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Also, track is
kept of a few 'records' for BURKS:
· BURKS records
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For the real
anoraks, access the complete BURKS file, with full details going back to 1978.
BURKS file
· The BURKS pages are brought to you by Nick Carter, who can be contacted at: webmaster@theburks.org
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