Dale manager Hill - foul and abusive language!

Date published: 01/09/2008

Rochdale manager Keith Hill lost his temper during Saturday's derby clash with Bury, at his own team's supporters! Mr Hill launched a prolonged tirade of foul and abusive language at fans sat close by the home team dug out who were voicing their disquiet at the teams poor first half performance. Even club chairman Chris Dunphy, who left his directors seat to try and calm the situation, felt the brunt of Hill's tongue and was told to let him get on with his job!

After the game, Hill admitted his side's first-half display was "appalling" but said: "I was very surprised at the reaction of some of the supporters.

"The players don't deserve it and I don't deserve it. We have come such a long way in the last 20 months or so.

"Sometimes people take you for granted and I won't be taken for granted and I won't let anyone who doesn't merit it take stick and be abused."

There can be little doubt however that Hill's 'choice' words showed a lack of composure and could have seen him sent off and banished to the stands had the referee witnessed the spectacle and it will be interesting to see how Hill deals with any similar loss of composure by one his players in the future.

Club director Andrew Kelly spent most of the second half seated on the front row close to the dugout.