We are on the road again, as Dale kick-off their return to League Two with a visit to Welsh side Newport County.
The Exiles, who finished 20th in last season’s campaign, are coming off the back of a penalty shootout defeat at AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, after ending normal time at 1-1.
ADMISSION DETAILS
Tickets for the game are on sale via our ticketing site Fanbase.
Advance tickets are available until 4pm on Friday. After this time, tickets will be available on the day from the away-end ticket office.
Click HERE for the full details.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports +, alongside every single League Two fixture across the weekend.
Dale Player is back for the new league season. We have recently partnered with Urban Zoo, allowing all supporters based in the UK & Ireland to listen to live audio commentary of every Dale match, across all competitions.
Supporters who have subscribed to Dale Player in our previous two seasons must sign up with a new account.
Click HERE to sign up for monthly or yearly passes.
PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW
Head Coach Ian Watson spoke with the club’s website as he detailed the season opener and provided an update on Cian Hayes’ fitness. Click HERE to watch.
Dale welcomed a new arrival on Friday in the form of Baba Adeeko. We caught up with the midfielder after his announcement HERE.
TEAM NEWS
Head Coach Ian Watson confirmed that winger Cian Hayes will miss six to eight weeks through injury ahead of Saturday. He joins Laurence Maguire, Sam Beckwith and Jonny Smith on the sidelines as the campaign begins.
Will Jenkins and Casey Pettit continue their recovery through long-term injuries, whereas new signing Baba Adeeko will be available for selection.
THE OPPOSITION
Overview – Newport County are set to begin their 14th straight season in League Two since promotion in 2012/13. The Exiles have fought for survival in recent times, finishing 22nd in the 2023/24 campaign before climbing to 20th last season, avoiding a chaotic last day relegation scrap.
Manager – Hayden Mullins was named the new Newport County manager on July 31st, following the departure of Christian Fuchs. This follows a successful playing career, including long spells at Crystal Palace, West Ham, Portsmouth, Birmingham City and Notts County. Mullins had two caretaker spells at Watford before spending a year at Colchester United.
Last Game – AFC Wimbledon 1-1 (5-4 pens) Newport County – Carabao Cup Round One.
Top League Goalscorer (2025/26) – Nathan Opoku (6).
New Signings
Cameron Norman (RB)
Kyle Cameron (CB)
Dan Sassi (CB)
Harrison Biggins (CM)
Kieron Evans (CAM)
Yahya Bamba (ST)
Christian Doidge (ST)
Shaquille Gwengwe (ST)
PLAYED FOR BOTH
There could be one player taking part in tomorrow’s game who has played for both, and that is centre-half Dan Sassi.
Dan had two spells with Dale across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, making14 appearances in total.
Other notable mentions go to 1969 promotion winner Tony Buck, Ryan Delaney and most recently in the Dale ranks, David Tutonda.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 6
Rochdale Wins – 4
Draws – 1
Bradford Wins – 1
Most recent matchup – Dale 1-1 Newport County (7th January 2023)
First ever matchup – Dale 3-0 Newport County (12th October 2013)
RODNEY PARADE
Our hosts have put together an away fan guide. Click HERE to read through.
OFFICIALS
Referee | Harrison Blair.
Assistants | Harley McKittrick & Grant Taylor.
Fourth Official | Callum Jones.
