Rochdale's first 26-27 home crowd already certain to be a 15-year high

And their first home game of the new campaign is set to reflect that, with a sizeable crowd expected at the Crown Oil Arena to see them take on Crawley Town on Saturday.

It will be Dale’s first competitive home game under new manager Ian Watson and two days out from the match, the club have confirmed that more than 4,000 tickets have already been sold.

That, of course, includes an impressive season-ticket figure – more than 3,300 have been sold for the new campaign.

But with another day of sales and matchday walk-ups to come, Saturday is already guaranteed to be Rochdale’s highest crowd for an opening home league game in 15 years.

The last time more than 4,000 were in attendance for Dale’s first home game of the campaign was all the way back in 2011, when a crowd of 5,074 watched Steve Eyre’s side draw 2-2 with Huddersfield Town. Dale twice came from behind on the day, with Ashley Grimes scoring a last-minute leveller to secure a share of the spoils.

Of course, we all hope that is not an omen – the club went on to be relegated that season with Eyre’s reign ending before Christmas – but it is testament to the work Rochdale have done in reconnecting with their fans that they are now flocking back to Spotland in their droves.

“Build it and they will come,” as the saying goes. Now, it will be a case of “build on it and more will come.”

Yes, there have been sneak peeks during home friendlies against Farnham and Halifax, but this will be the first time fans have returned in normal numbers to a revamped Crown Oil Arena.

The outstanding atmosphere created by the “U Block” section of the Pearl Street End will now be boosted by the installation of safe standing rails, while the Ratcliffe Arms bar has also enjoyed something of a glow-up.

Earlier this week, the club launched “Dale St Kitchen” – a reimagining of the food and drink offerings available in the Ratcliffe and at all kiosks in home areas.

It all sounds extremely positive and no doubt fans will be keen to see what’s new for themselves, but the hope now will be that the enjoyment does not stop at 3pm.