4,000 fans gathered on Rochdale Town Hall Square on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 to celebrate with Rochdale AFC’s promotion-winning team, after they attended a civic reception at the town hall.
The event marked the culmination of the most dramatic season, which saw the squad’s promotion back to League Two following Jimmy McNulty’s side’s thrilling Wembley win, secured through a penalty shootout following yet another injury time equaliser for The Dale.
The team, their families, management and coaching staff enjoyed a civic reception at the town hall.
‘Proud moment’
The victorious team, co-chairman Cameron Ogden, management and coaching staff appeared on stage to a greet a big, excited crowd of all ages to toast their success and lift the trophy.
4,000 fans gathered to greet the players at their homecoming party.
Mayor of Rochdale and longstanding Dale fan, Janet Emsley, who was at Wembley last week opened the event and said:
“This is an extremely proud moment for me, the football club, the town and the borough. It’s sure been a rollercoaster ride, with weeks of drama, late goals, dramatic moments and incredible highs. The club really is at the heart of the community, it unites people, a place where generations of families come together every week to cheer on the team. The football club is shining brightly again and putting a smile back on people’s faces. For that I want to particularly thank Cameron Ogden, Simon Gauge and everyone connected with the club. They brought hope back, gave the club a timely lift and got the Dale back on the path to football league status.”
The team lift the trophy during the event on Rochdale Town Hall Square after their Wembley win.
Laura Thomas, chief executive of Rochdale AFC, added:
“The trophy lift was a truly special moment, not just for the club, but for the whole town. This is exactly the kind of moment that reminds us all why football and community go hand in hand. We are so proud to be part of Rochdale, and events like this make that pride even greater. We hope this is the first of many celebrations to come.”