The 2017-18 campaign was a season of ultimate tension and unforgettable cup heroics for Rochdale. Under manager Keith Hill, The Dale delivered a dramatic, last-gasp League One survival, climbing out of a seemingly hopeless position, 11 points from safety late in the season, to secure their 20th-place finish on the final day thanks to Joe Thompson's iconic winning goal against Charlton. Leading the charge on the pitch was the talismanic veteran striker Ian Henderson, whose 20 goals across all competitions, including 13 in the league, proved vital in the desperate fight. The year is cemented in club lore by their thrilling FA Cup run, which saw Henderson score a famous goal in a memorable 2-2 Fifth Round draw against Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur at the Crown Oil Arena.