Steve Taylor entertained hospitality diners prior to kick off last Saturday at the Rochdale v Forest Green Rovers match describing his two spells at Dale 1984-86 and 1988-89 making over 100 league appearances, scoring nearly 50 league goals.
When questioned about his time at Spotland (Crown Oil Arena) he commented that the two years were some of the happiest times of his career, especially playing under the then manager, Vic Halom, who played a style that meant the ball was moved forwards a lot quicker than other Clubs he’d played for which suited his style.
Favourite memory whilst playing for Dale was obviously playing at Old Trafford in the FA Cup 3rd Round against Manchester United, after a replay against Scunthorpe United at home in a game with Steve scoring one of the goals earning the passage through.
According to Steve, playing at Old Trafford was an unbelievable feeling in front of 36,000+ with approximately 6,000 from Rochdale but next home League game back to the normal 2,000+ supporters.
He scored approximately one goal in every two games for Dale and that lead to a special holiday to Tenerife, allegedly to be paid for by chairman, Tommy Cannon. Steve explained there was supposed be a £50 charge for maintenance for the apartment but then when he got back it rose to £200 but after a little negotiation the slate would be wiped clean if he scored two goals in the next game, which he managed after scoring early doors and when awarded a penalty he insisted on taking it… and scored.
On leaving football Steve found employment at HMP Buckley as Head of PE before retirement, which now sees him playing golf with the intention of getting his handicap right down and now lives near Lytham so spend lots of time on the coast these days.
All in all a fascinating lowdown on the Rochdale part of a long career at ten Clubs, where he made 445 appearances, scoring 158 goals.
This weekend, we are due to meet Shaun Reid making the visit to Crown Oil Arena giving us memories of his two spells at the Club.
