Keith Hill appointed as Barnsley manager

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Keith Hill

Rochdale boss Keith Hill has been appointed as Barnsley’s new manager.

Dave Flitcroft and other backroom staff from Rochdale will be making the move alongside Hill.

Hill has been at the club for four and a half years and a statement from Chairman Chris Dunphy asks Rochdale supporters to judge them on what they have achieved in that time not what has happened over the last few days.

A statement on the club’s website from Mr Dunphy reads: “Keith Hill has confirmed to me that he has agreed terms and conditions with Barnsley Football Club to become their new manager and this will be confirmed later today.

“Keith has also confirmed that Dave Flitcroft and other members of the backroom staff will also be moving with him to Oakwell.

“I would like to wish Keith Hill and David Flitcroft all the best in their new positions and ask all of our supporters to judge them by what they have achieved over the last 4½ years rather than on the events of the last 4½ days.”

Mr Dunphy, added: “During their time in charge of Rochdale Football Club there could be no doubting the hard work, endeavour and commitment that they brought to the club and I would personally like to thank them for the many memorable moments that they have given to us all and for the way in which they have contributed to transforming the image of our club.”

He continued: “However, this is not the end of the story but merely the end of a chapter in the history of our great little club, we must now look to the future and carry forward the legacy that the 'Hillcroft' period has left. My fellow board members and I will be looking to appoint a manager who will have an emphasis on youth and playing football in the manner to which we have become accustomed.

“I do have to say, however, that the departure of the management team could not have come at a worse time in the football calendar as it is the time of the year that you look to your manager to build a squad for the coming season, but I would like to reassure our supporters that as a board we are committed to the continued progression of the club.”

Mr Dunphy, concluded: “It is five years since the new board took over at Rochdale Football Club and there has been a great improvement in the infrastructure of the club during that period, and this will continue and stand us in good stead for the challenging next few weeks until we appoint a new manager.”

Don Rowing, General Manager and Director of Barnsley FC, said: "We are delighted to have got our number one choice for the position of first team manager. We are looking forward to working with Keith and David as they look to take this club further."