Beech plans show of strength from Dale

ROCHDALE will be urged to stand strong and implement their own playing method on Stevenage tomorrow.

Promoted last summer, Stevenage have made a big impression on npower League One and go into the game just three points outside the play-off places and with a game in hand on sixth-placed Carlisle.

Their success has been built on a physical, highly-competitive style under Graham Westley — who was expected to become Preston manager today.

And Rochdale caretaker boss Chris Beech is keen that his troops embrace their own game plan with equal conviction.

Beech was disappointed with last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Hartlepool and is looking for a positive reaction.

“Last Saturday was a contrast of styles and basically we just didn’t play our way,” said Beech.

“This weekend there will be an even stronger contrast because Stevenage have been doing what they do for so long now.

“The backbone of their team has been together for a long time, playing a style which has earned Graham Westley acclaim in the game and that’s why clubs like Preston were looking at him as a potential new manager.

“They will be very energised and will stick to the things that they can control — discipline, energy, teamwork. They will be a tough nut to crack.”

Dale were linked with a move for their former number two Dave Flitcroft — now at Barnsley — earlier in the week, but while Beech has only been given temporary charge of the team, the board has been pleased with what they’ve seen so far.

“I know the chairman and board and the supporters are behind us and we know we’ve made a difference,” he said.

“I know things have changed around the club, things have moved forward and people are aware of the improvements.

“What we’re looking to do this weekend is change the habit of the last six months where we saw a lack of response to performances such as that at Hartlepool last Saturday.

“We’re going about our business to make sure we are in the right frame of mind to play Stevenage.

“Anything separate to that is irrelevant, be it speculation surrounding managers or players.”