Name: Billy Rudd
DOB: 13th December 1941
Dale debut: 24th February 1968 v Exeter City 2-2
Last game: 25th April 1970 v Luton Town 1-2
Also played for: Birmingham City, York City, Grimsby Town, Bury
Time at Dale: Signed by Bob Stokoe for £1,500 having played over 300 games at Grimsby Town although only 26 years old, turning out in 108 consecutive matches scoring 8 goals before being sold to Bury in exchange for Alf Arrowsmith.
First impressions were the shock of finding no training gear, no training ground, hardly any other facilities, managing to avoid re-election and the following season winning a first time promotion. Good lads, good professionals, no prima donnas!!!!!
Favourite memories of playing for Dale: My favourite memory believe it or not was arriving at the ground on the Saturday, after signing the night before and finding part of the Main Stand had collapsed (cannot repeat my words to Bob, who just smiled)
Obviously promotion was another and the number of times “Hey Jude” was played that night in the Bowling Green pub.
Most difficult opponent: Cannot remember any- is that selective memory!!!!!
What are you doing since leaving Dale?: Now, well retired and getting old, hopefully with dignity
Recently Billy was interviewed about his time at Rochdale AFC-follow the link below
An Interview With Former Player Billy Rudd – YouTube
