Rochdale boss Jimmy McNulty hails Man City loan star Oliver Whatmuff

By Andy Mitchell

Teen sensation Oliver Whatmuff was backed to become England’s number one by cock-a-hoop boss Jimmy McNulty after his penalty heroics sent Rochdale back to the EFL.

The Manchester City loanee pulled off crucial saves that enabled Dale to fight back from two down to draw 2-2 with Boreham Wood in the National League Promotion Final at Wembley, Mani Dieseruvwe plundering the leveller six minutes into a breathless spell of added time. 

And the 18-year-old wasn’t done there, saving Callum Reynolds’s opener in the shootout before a huge single right hand repelled Matt Rush’s third. 

Rochdale put all three of theirs away and when Cameron Coxe hit the underside of the bar, McNulty could finally release the “pure elation” that had been put on ice – and at risk – by York City’s last-ditch title triumph in the title decider at Rochdale two weeks previously.

“I feel like it was destined to end this way,” said McNulty. 

“The season has been incredible – the points tally, the performances, the guts and character and the late goals.

“We essentially played finals for the last five weeks. At 2-0 down it was tricky but our belief was still there, there was a body evidence of us showing guts in these late moments. If we did score I always felt like we would be there. Thankfully, that played out.

“I’d like to pay tribute to Luke (Garrard, Boreham Wood manager) and his team, they were amazing and had a great season, but it does feel like some sort of footballing justice was served.”

As for the “amazing” Whatmuff, it all proved the perfect answer to any questions over entrusting a rookie between Dale’s sticks.

“There was noise when I brought him to the club, he was 17 at the time and to some it appeared like madness – to me it was pure sense,” said McNulty.

“I think he’s beautiful, I love watching him play. I felt he would amplify our qualities and he has all season.

“I genuinely think that one day he will be England’s number one.”