Bath University Rochdale Keen Supporters (The BURKS)

Last update 9 June 2008

·         Welcome to the home page of some of Rochdale AFC's semi-detached supporters from down south, now in their 29th 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.

·         A rather subdued start to our thirtieth season supporting the 'Dale. A solo appearance at Edgar Street for the 1-1 draw with Hereford Utd and a turnout of five for the 0-0 draw against Barnet at Underhill.

·         Nine BURKS made it to Roots Hall to see another swift departure from the FA Cup.

·         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!

·         Two BURKS made their short trip to Notts County to see the 1-0 defeat.

·         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!

·         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.

·         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 in the World Cup. Each time Dale had to equalise and each time they did, to ever increasing cheers of relief. Then it was Tommy Lee’s big moment. Having fooled Darlo’s players in a false sense of security with the first 4 penalties, he ‘cleverly’ covered the straight down the middle shot with his trailing leg and the pub erupted again. Even our new mate Tom was joining in the cheering. Then with hearts pumping, up stepped Ben Muirhead and the rest is history. Dale had made it. We were off to Wembley! 30 years of hurt, never stopped us dreaming.

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 and getting wet on the walk from the Tube Station and not being let into the pub at 1:30 didn’t help!

·         A spreadsheet gives full details of BURKS attendances this season(2007-8).

·         Details of BURKS support over the years can be accessed with the following link:

·         BURKS peerage

·         Also, track is kept of a few 'records' for BURKS:

·         BURKS records

·         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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