Interview: Danny Cashman

Rochdale Football Club welcomed forward Danny Cashman on a season-long loan from Coventry City, in August. By September, the fan favourite had been voted Dale Trust Player of the Month after a rip-roaring start to the season.

The talented 20-year-old joined Brighton's Academy at the age of 12, progressing through to the Under-18 and Under-23 sides. He was a regular in their Premier League 2 side in the recent season, scoring 11 times and creating 11 more in 35 appearances.

After departing the AMEX Stadium in the summer, he signed for Coventry on a three year deal, the first of which he is spending with Dale.

Style caught up with Danny to find out how he has settled into the club, his hopes for the season and what he really thinks about the Jack Grealish comparison...

Style: How are you settling into the club?

Danny: Yeah really enjoying it… it’s been easier than I thought it would be. Obviously, the boys have been class and the gaffer and coaching staff have been really good. It’s been a good learning curve so far!

And how are you finding life up North?

Manchester is quite the same as London and if anything I think it’s a bit better. I’ve settled in really well where I live and there’s lots to do. So on my days off I’m keeping myself busy, even just doing stuff with the boys, like we might go and play golf or something which is quite nice to do.

How did it feel to be named Player of the Month in September?

It’s always a nice feeling to get Player of the Month but I know my performances can be better and I’m nowhere near where I know I can be. There’s a long season ahead so hopefully I can find my feet even more and push to where I think I can be, and help the team more importantly.

What’s your personal aim for the season?

I want to set high standards for myself and be one of the best players in the team in terms of my numbers, my assists, my goals. I want to be up there, not just in the team but in the league.

What’s been your most memorable moment at Rochdale so far?

Probably the Burnley game - that was a really good experience, not just for me but for the club and the boys. It was good to test ourselves. Other than that, the Tranmere game when I scored the winner - that was a good feeling.

How have you found the step up from academy football to the first team?

Academy football is a lot of technical play where the ball is always on the floor, whereas we are now fighting for points and at the end of the day there’s fans here to support you and people’s jobs are on the line. So there’s lots of things which come into play with first team football but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I think I suit it and I’ve settled in well; I think the fans have taken to me very well which is another really good factor.

How do you feel about fans often comparing you to Jack Grealish?

Haha, it's one of those where I wear a headband and we look a bit similar in terms of what positions we play, so I knew it was going to happen. It’s funny at the end of the day. If I was a Dale fan myself, I’d probably be saying the same thing!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received since your move to Rochdale?

Work hard! I’ve had about 17 appearances now and I’d say the majority of them have been off the bench. You’re never settled in first team football as it changes very quickly and one minute you’re in, one minute you’re out. It’s about being humble and making sure you’re doing the right things day in-day out, no matter who is making the decisions.

How old were you when you first got into football?

I started quite late. I joined a Sunday league team because I felt left out with my mates and went from there with people coming to games and seeing me play. I got picked up from Crawley when when I was 11, then that folded because they couldn’t keep the academy running and I got picked up from Brighton about a week later and I was there for 8/9 years… and now I’m at Rochdale!

Who’s your footballing idol?

If I look up to a player it’s Messi because he’s the best player in the world and especially because he’s not the tallest player!

Who do you support?

I’m a Chelsea boy.

We’ve heard you’re a good cook – if you could have any three guests over for dinner who would they be and what would you make?

David Beckham, Michael Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo. I’d have to make a pasta dish... linguine!

Do you have any advice for young footballers?

In terms of players that aren’t in the academy, I’d just say to keep working hard. In terms of players within the academy, never ever rush into something whether that’s a contract or joining a club. Some of my regrets so far would be not taking my time with things.

Were you always certain about coming to Rochdale?

Yeah, my agent sat down and we spoke about the club and I knew a few players who’d been here before and they’d spoken highly of the club. Rochdale had come down which wasn’t ideal for the club, but I saw that as an opportunity for me to be part of something really good this year and something we're still aiming for. I want to help this club get promoted back to League One.

Ruth Parkinson