Looking at the squad he had in his first year at Rochdale it's a wonder they won any games let alone survive comfortably.

2 goal keepers: one 18 and the other they signed from AFC Fylde) although they did sign another 22yo on loan
6 defenders (one a 16 year old loanee, 2 in their mid 30s)
6 forwards (half u21s, 2 well over 30, 1 over 40!)
A midfield made up of 50% academy graduates and 50% free transfers

They also lost narrowly to Man utd on pelanties in r3 of the league cup. A utd side containing Pogba, Juan Mata, Fred, Greenwood, Lingard, Dan James, Wan-Bisaka etc.