Trust member and manic Dale fan Paul Hanson today celebrates sixty-four years of watching the Dale and his 70th birthday. (We had permission from his Mrs. to say his age!)
I talked to Paul in Morrisons, where he, like me, was on trolley duties for the other half! He regaled me with some funny stories regarding his Dale travels. We asked him if he would pen them down. It’s a brilliant read, and we hope you, like us, enjoy the humour that comes across and on his sadness regarding the death of Joey T. Here is what Paul said.
Regardless of anything I am celebrating today, there is nothing that will overshadow the tragic news of the passing of Joe Thompson last Thursday, aged just 36 years. In my eyes, Joe was a fighter in every sense of the word on and off the field. No-one who saw it will ever forget the Charlton goal, and no-one who ever met him will ever forget his warmth, friendliness and beaming smile. A Dale legend in every sense of the word and a warm, compassionate man who strived, against all the odds, to do his best for his young family. Safe journey, Joe and thanks for everything. You’ll be long remembered with great respect and fondness. Rest in Peace. …
“I first attended a match in 1961 with my Grandad, Ernest Leach. I was six years old, and he was a veteran of the Great War and a true stalwart of Dale for many years. 
The opposition was Hartlepool, and it was the season’s first game. I was hooked because we won.
Some of the players from those days are forever etched in memory: the greats Stan Milburn, Ted Burgin, Ray Aspden, Doug Winton, Norman Bodell, along with many others.
Over the years, many players have made a lasting impression on me, some for the best reasons and others I remember well but should probably try to forget.
Reg Jenkins and Ian Henderson are my standout players over the years. Both are record breakers, top professionals, prolific goal scorers, and committed team players. Each could easily be described as the ‘GOAT’ in their respective eras. Other great players have come and gone, but without reaching that pinnacle.
The worst home performance I’ve ever witnessed must be Dale 1, Telford 4 in the 1983/84 FA Cup. Quite simply a shocking, unforgivable, and embarrassing display, worse than anything I’ve come across since (and there’s been no shortage of choices)!
The worst away experience was Leyton Orient 8, Dale 0, in October 1987. It was a midweek, 8-hour round trip, and we were thrashed out of sight, leaving us traumatised. People tell me it’s on YouTube, but I shan’t be reliving it. I felt sorry for Keith Welch that night, watching 8 goals whizz past him.
Identifying the most memorable away performance is quite a challenge. There have been many. Perhaps it was the victory against Burnley at Turf Moor, achieved with only nine men. That day was a terrific performance, with everyone giving over 100%. The referee, Mr. Lunt (correct spelling!), was on a whole new level of abysmal officiating.
The whole 64-year experience has been a roller coaster. One I would never seek to change.
Wembley twice, countless re-election applications, several memorable FA Cup ties, giant killings, the League Cup Final (though I wasn’t present), promotions, relegations – the whole lot.
Those who watched Dale during the desperate, dark days of the 1970s and 80s would be thrilled to see our team today and the quality of the players on display, despite the persistent complaints. Keith Hill was the best manager, as the records will confirm, and those were indeed the glory days—so far!
It’s incredible to think that I am still attending matches both home and away, with some of the same people as I was in the 1960s. Over the years, I have met some wonderful, dedicated individuals who contributed to the Dale experience, from the Boardroom to the terraces. Unfortunately, many are no longer with us.
I dread to think of the miles I’ve travelled, the hours I’ve spent, the money I’ve spent, and the beer I’ve consumed over the years. I don’t begrudge any of it, and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”
The play-offs beckon, and it’s all to play for. Up the Dale 
Paul’s story below is brilliant and a proper template for any football fan.
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