The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur News and Links for Monday, May 11

TL;DR

Rochdale has returned to the Football League after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Boreham Wood. The match saw Rochdale come back from a 0-2 deficit, highlighting the extremes of football emotions.

Key points

Rochdale returns to the Football League after three years
They won against Boreham Wood in a dramatic penalty shootout
Rochdale finished the National League season with 106 points

RochdaleBoreham WoodFootball LeagueNational League

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Randal Kolo Muani of Tottenham Hotspur interacts with the fans, as he leaves the pitch following being substituted during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on May 03, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) | Getty Images Rochdale have done it! In dramatic fashion, Rochdale have returned to the Football League for the first time in three years. All it took was a chaotic season in the National League and a remarkable final. For those unaware, Rochdale were not given an automatic promotion even after ending the season on 106 points which is insanity. So they had to do it the hard way. And, boy, did they. Rochdale were down 0-2 to Boreham Wood at Wembley on Sunday. After gaining one back, they were still one goal shy seven minutes into stoppage time. Then comes the madness: And so, after an additional 30 minutes, it went to penalties. And then, it was Rochdale back in the Football League. The National League represents the two largest extremes of football: anguish and ecstasy. For Boreham Wood it was anguish. To surrender two goals very late into the final, and then be denied promotion, only to pick up the boulder and attempt the ascent next season. For Rochdale it was a moment of ecstasy. A return to the league. to escape the fifth circle of hell. The thing is it could have easily been different. Were it not for that incredible spot kick play in the 90+7th minute, I would’ve swapped the two. That’s how thin the margin is between anguish and ecstasy, and how easy it is to cross that line. ***Fitzie’s Track of the Day: Black Throated Wind, by the Grateful Dead*** **And now for your links:** ****: “Roberto De Zerbi delivers return update after text exchange and makes Vicario claim” ****: “De Zerbi is right, for to flourish at Spurs he has to settle in one position” ****: “Biggest VAR call ever? Four chaotic minutes that may define the season” ****: “Rochdale return to Football League in shootout after Boreham Wood thriller”

Q&A

What happened in the Rochdale vs Boreham Wood match?

Rochdale came back from a 0-2 deficit to win against Boreham Wood in a penalty shootout, securing their promotion back to the Football League.

How many points did Rochdale finish with in the National League?

Rochdale finished the season with 106 points but did not receive automatic promotion, necessitating their playoff victory.

What are the implications of Rochdale's promotion for next season?

Rochdale's promotion signifies their return to the Football League, which could impact their financial stability and competitiveness in the upcoming season.