Mark Hilditch took to the stage at hospitality entertaining diners about his exploits at Dale over two spells, 1977-83 & 1990-92 involving 213 appearances, scoring 42 times.
He started his career at Dale after impressing in a trial match, asked to sign professional forms after making his debut, which meant playing whilst grafting at an engineering firm in Oldham. His debut saw him getting a round of applause from his workmates but a reprimand by the boss for turning in late after the evening game.
Most Dale fans will remember him scoring three goals at the end of a season, which saw the Club escaping having to apply re-election after seven wins from the last eight games.
Mark spoke of the massive improvements at the Crown Oil Arena (Spotland Stadium) from his time playing for Rochdale, including holes in the roof on the Main Stand.
On leaving professional football, he found employment for HMP, including spells at Wakefield Prison then Buckley Hall, where he worked in the PE department. Now he has retired from work, he is enjoying his free time trying to bring his handicap down at Tunshill Golf Course.