Lee McEvilly is back on Saturday for the match against Sutton United for what is due to be an entertaining experience for hospitality diners prior to kick off with stories of his three spells at the Club.
DOB: 15th April 1982
Dale debut: 26th December 2001 – Kidderminster Harriers 1-4
Also played for: Accrington Stanley, Wrexham, Cambridge United, Barrow, Grays Athletic, Marine, Sligo Rovers, Burscough, Droylsden, Chorley, Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde, Warrington Town International career: Northern Ireland v Spain, 17th April 2002
Time at Dale: Lee McEvilly was signed by John Hollins from Burscough in December 2001 for a fee believed to be around £15,000 plus a sell-on clause, making his debut in the Third Division against Kidderminster Harriers, replacing Clive Platt in a 1-4 defeat. He scored his first Football League goal, and his first for Rochdale against York City in their 5–4 home win on 5th February 2002 plus netted in the first leg of the play offs at Rushden & Diamaonds. He made a total of 18 appearances, scoring four goals. The following season, 2002/3 Lee played 37 games, scoring 15 goals. He started the 2003/4 season making 16 appearances, scoring five goals before moving onto Accrington Stanley then returning on loan during the 2007/8 and 2008/9 seasons making 12 appearances, scoring 5 goals. He made 10 more appearances for Dale, starting just once and scoring three goals before joining Barrow on loan in March citing his friendship with joint-manager David Bayliss as a key reason for his move.
Over his numerous spells at Dale, Lee made 110 appearances, scoring 33 goals
“My memories at Dale are special to me and always will be being my first Professional Club. Fans were fantastic to me even when playing against Rochdale, giving me a great reception, that means a lot to me and always will, that’s why I come back to watch whenever I can”
Assistant manager, David Hamilton, described McEvilly as strong, powerful, able to shoot with both feet and score goals. He had good all-round ability, tremendously tenacious, aggressive and robust playing style which earned him the nickname “Evil”
What are you doing since leaving Dale?: After I retired I set up a parcel delivery business which is going well so my main intention to ensure that it continues