Rochdale boss Jimmy McNulty hails Man City loan star Oliver Whatmuff

You can watch ALL National League games, live or on demand HERE

By Andy Mitchell

Teen sensation Oliver Whatmuff earned backing from cock-a-hoop boss Jimmy McNulty to become England’s number one 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 didn’t stop 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 York City’s last-ditch title triumph at Rochdale two weeks previously had put on ice – and at risk – in the title decider.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed Non-League news you need, subscribe to The Non-League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Footballing justice

“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.”

Amazing

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,” said McNulty. “He was 17 at the time and to some it appeared like madness – to me it was pure sense.

“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.”

Click HERE to watch every National League fixture, live or on demand, via DAZN

READ MORE: Boreham Wood 2-2 Rochdale (1-3 on pens): Dale complete dramatic EFL return at Wembley