Name: Simon Holden
DOB: 9th March 1968
Dale debut: Blackpool – 4th August 1984
Last game: Newport County – 7th May 1988
Also played for: Gillingham (trial) Crewe Alexandra, Mossley, Castleton Gabriels
Time at Dale: I made my Dale debut on 4th August 1984, aged just sixteen, away versus Blackpool appearing as a substitute in the second half, first touch being a shot from outside the box which hit the cross bar in the 0-1 defeat.
Represented Rochdale Borough school boys from under 14’s and was due to sign for Manchester City as a schoolboy but didn’t happen due to breaking my left leg so signed Schoolboy forms for the Dale at fifteen, under Jimmy and Brian Greenhoff then apprentice forms when sixteen under Vic Halom.
For me it was my life ambition and an absolute honour to play and represent my home town team as an apprentice and then full professional footballer. I remember my first pre-season training as an apprentice alongside some amazing professionals like Les Chapman, Paul Heaton, Joe Cook, Sean Reid, Steve Taylor and having the time of my life playing football for my living.
My last game was away to Newport County losing 0-1 before retiring due to serious knee injury 1991 having played for Crewe Alexandra and several non-League teams.
Favourite memories of playing for Dale: I have amazing memories from that time, it was a school of tough knocks which meant you had to grow up fast, some of the antics we got up to you just would not be able to do in today’s world but that’s what made it special times.
As a professional and first team squad player my favourite memories are beating Burnley away 3 -0 on New Year’s Day 1987, beating Stockport County 2-1 at Spotland to ensure league survival in 1987 and a man of the match performance at Spotland when we beat Hereford United 3-1 following two assists and scoring a thirty yarder but there are many more including a very long journey home on a wet Tuesday evening having lost 0-8 at Leyton Orient!!!!
What are you doing since leaving Dale?: These days I am semi-retired living on the Orihuela Costa in the Costa Blanca in Spain, where I am a golf coach and have several other interests.
I am honoured to be part of the former Rochdale Players Association and wish it every success.