WALLER LOVING PHYSICALITY OF MEN’S FOOTBALL AT ROCHDALE

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Goalkeeper reflects on loan spell to date

2025-03-21T10:00:00.000Z

WALLER LOVING PHYSICALITY OF MEN’S FOOTBALL AT ROCHDALE

Goalkeeper reflects on loan spell to date

2025-03-21T10:00:00.000Z

Goalkeeper reflects on loan spell to date

Sitting down on a Thursday afternoon after training with his team, goalkeeper Sam Waller has nothing but positive things to say about his time on loan at Rochdale.

The goalkeeper initially joined Dale on a one-month loan deal in November but after an impressive start to life at National League level, the agreement was extended until the end of the season.

Taking to men’s football like a duck to water; he has recorded 10 clean sheets in 21 appearances, recorded his first senior penalty save and even chipped in with two assists!

But Waller is not resting on his laurels and insists the physical demands of senior men’s football are improving his game and his focus.

“U21s football and men’s football are years apart,” said Waller.

“Academy football is good to improve you technically, and the coaches at Burnley are great. Men’s football is more physical and demanding as, at the end of the day, people’s livelihoods are on the line.

“You don’t want to concede a last-minute goal to lose a game because some people are relying on bonuses, so I have to be 100% in it and put my body on the line.”

When asked what initially attracted him to Rochdale, Waller added: “When I first spoke to the manager, I was able to hear his ideas and how he views football.

“I spoke to the Goalkeeping Coach Josh Lillis too and was able to relay to him the importance of playing games at my age.

“It’s been brilliant. The style of football suits me and we’re getting good results, so I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

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Under Jimmy McNulty, the Greater Manchester-based club are in the hunt for promotion to the Football League and occupy the final play-off place in 7th, one point ahead of Altrincham who have played two games more.

Importantly, they also have two or even three games in hand on all teams above them with 11 matches to play as the season enters its business end.

Another sign of their success is their defensive record – the 33 goals they’ve conceded in the league is bettered by only leaders Barnet and third-placed Forest Green Rovers with Waller playing a key role between the sticks.

“Clean sheets are a goal of ours, but the main goal is always to win games,” Waller continued.

“If we win 5-4, sobeit – we’ve still got the three points and it’s been an entertaining game.

“Of course, if you keep a clean sheet you’re guaranteed at least a point. It’s then up to us all to use our tactical knowledge to break down teams and win games.”

Another positive learning experience for Waller has been playing in front of home crowds up to 3,000 on a regular basis.

Moreover, for last month’s derby against Oldham Athletic, nearly 6,000 packed into the Crown Oil Arena.

The 21-year-old’s displays have not gone unnoticed by the Rochdale fans, with the shot stopper winning the Dale Supporters’ Trust’s Player of the Month award for February.

In that time he kept two clean sheets and saved an 83rd-minute penalty away at Halifax Town to preserve a point.

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Waller said: “The fans here at Rochdale are amazing, both home and away.

“They get behind the team and being able to bring them a slice of joy is what we do it for.

“We want to be able to put in good performance and if we do that and results don’t go our way, we know that they’ll still support us.

“It (winning the award) is great! I’m just a small piece of it though – the help that I get from my defenders and the whole team is vital.”

In addition to their league success, Rochdale are just one game away from an Isuzu FA Trophy final and a trip to Wembley.

Waller has played a key role in the cup run to date and is now preparing for their semi-final at home against Spennymoor Town on Saturday 5th April.

“The idea of playing at Wembley is every kid’s dream and being able to live that dream would be an amazing experience for us all,” he added.

“Everyone watches England when they play there, and I’ve been to Wembley before as a fan. You can see how grand it is, and the effect it has on people.

“Hopefully we can get past Spennymoor in the semi-final and put in another good performance to win the final.”

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Before that, though, Rochdale have four National League fixtures beginning with a trip to Maidenhead United this weekend before hosting York City on Tuesday night.

This will likely see Waller come up against his Burnley U21s teammate Lewis Richardson, who joined the high-flying Minstermen on loan in January.

Waller extended his contract with the Clarets earlier this season until the summer of 2026, with the Club holding a one-year extension option.

Having travelled to Spain with the first team for pre-season last year, he still follows results closely and keeps in touch with team-mates and staff alike.

“I’m really close with the Goalkeeping coaches Kersten and Connor and have great relationships with all the players and staff,” he said.

“My focus now is helping Rochdale get back to where they belong, which is in the Football League.

“I look forward to coming back to Burnley in the summer and hopefully getting a chance to play.

“I still live up there so I pop in to see the lads and coaches every now and then.

“I keep those friendships off the pitch as well, playing golf with the likes of Barnesy, Joe Worrall and Owen Dodgson.”