Dale duo look to make mark

CHRIS O’GRADY

ATHLETIC misfits Chris O’Grady and Marcus Holness will be out to prove a point or three tonight at Spotland.

Striker O’Grady made just 11 starting appearances without a goal to his name during an unhappy two-year stay at Boundary Park, while defender Holness became Rochdale manager Keith Hill’s first signing in January, 2008, leaving Athletic without ever making the first team.

The duo have flourished under Hill, O’Grady in particular.

He has been transformed from a forward who struggled to find the back of the net into the prolific spearhead of Dale’s attack.

A return of 29 goals from 59 appearances bares testament to his impact at Spotland and, like Holness, he will be out to impress Athletic supporters. Not that the gentle giant is driven by revenge.

“I’m looking forward to the game, as I’m sure Marcus is, but to be honest we’ll probably both be looking at it as we do any other game,” said O’Grady.

“There is an element of wanting to show the Oldham fans what they are missing, but in all honesty they didn’t really see much of me during my time at the club.

“There’s no bitterness about that, I just wasn’t part of the plans at the time.They were happy with the strikers they had and it meant I didn’t get much of a look-in.

“By coming to Rochdale and doing well here on loan, it at least forced my price up a bit, so I suppose they have that to thank me for!”

Four defeats from their last five games mean Dale are not in the best shape going into the derby and Hill is looking for his players to bounce back from the weekend’s loss at Leyton Orient before a bumper crowd tonight.

“I love Tuesday night football and it presents an opportunity to get back to business,” said Hill.

POSITIVE

“Not that we are feeling sorry for ourselves but we will dress ourselves down and be positive again.

“The turnaround is very quick, we’ve got a few minor problems injury-wise so we’ve got to get over them.

“It’s a relatively short preparation time, but we’re knowledgeable on Oldham. We know them very well.

“They are doing exceptionally well in the league themselves and we have just got to make sure we’re well rehearsed and well recovered for the game.

“We want to play with energy and ability. We have got a little bit of both, but it does give that extra spice to the occasion and we are looking forward to it.”