The 2019-20 campaign for Rochdale was a season of dramatic cup heroics and an abrupt, pandemic-enforced end, with The Dale ultimately finishing 18th in League One based on points-per-game. The club's talisman, veteran striker Ian Henderson, led the charge with 15 crucial league goals. However, the true glory came in the EFL Cup, with a memorable run culminating in a thrilling 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, featuring a dramatic equaliser from 16-year-old Luke Matheson before a penalty shootout defeat. They also took Premier League Newcastle United to an FA Cup Third Round replay, making it a year defined by defiance and unforgettable moments before the season was cut short.