Rochdale cling to future hope as their 102-year stay in EFL comes to end

Rochdale chairman Simon Gauge alongside a statue to superfan David Clough on the seat in the main stand where he had a season ticket for many years. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Driving into Rochdale, a sign reads “birthplace of co-operation”, a reference to the town’s history where the modern cooperative movement was founded in 1844. The football club are in the midst of their own turning point where coming together will help them – and the community – thrive.

One hundred and two years in the Football League will end for Rochdale at Harrogate on Monday afternoon. Being a Dale fan has never been a rollercoaster ride: the journey to non-league has taken three promotions and five relegations in more than a century.