ECHOSPORT talks to Rochdale fan Matty Gurney ahead of tomorrow’s game at Roots Hall.

What have you made of the start of the season?

“It’s been fantastic.

“We look a completely changed side from last season with a much more structured defence and our passing and general attacking play has seen a much bigger improvement from last term, with more people getting involved with goals.”

What are your hopes for this season?

“That we can make the top 10, not something I was expecting to say this season.

“But with recent performances and what BBM (Brian Barry-Murphy) is able to get out of every player, it doesn’t seem so stupid now.”

Who would you say is the dangerman?

“As always, it will be Ian Henderson.

“He’s already bagged himself quite a few goals this season. But if I was to not say him, it would be Callum Camps who, in this new formation and strategy, looks a new player from how he played under Keith Hill.”

Blues have Ethan Hamilton and Stephen Humphrys, who are formerly of Rochdale. How do your fans view them?

“I feel like we have lots of respect for what they have helped to achieve at Rochdale.

“Hamilton, especially, is given a lot of praise for being one of the vital players last season that were brought in to help us survive, with his vision and ability to score from all over the place, which could also be said for Humphrys.”

What’s the team news for the game?

“I feel like the team will be very similar to the one which played the last few games, with Oliver Rathbone almost, if not already, fully fit from his knock on the first game of the season.

“Ryan McLaughlin may be playing, but he is under strong competition from Luke Matherson for a place.”