Keith Hill returns to Dale

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Now in place for an "18 game season" - Dale manager Keith Hill

Rochdale AFC has today announced the appointment of former Dale boss Keith Hill as first team manager following the departure of John Coleman yesterday.

Hill will take overwith immediate effect and is contracted to the club until 31 May 2013.

He said: "When the club approached me about coming back to Spotland I didn’t hesitate. Rochdale Football Club will, and always will remain dear to me, and to be honest it was a no-brainer.

"I’ll be here until the end of the season and we will take stock of the situation then. Until then we have an 18 game season to think about, to plan and to achieve so that’s what I, the players and staff will be doing.

"We also need the fans to get behind us and give us all your support, that is crucial if we are going to go forward. I’m delighted to be back and cannot wait to get started.”

Keith will work with the club’s current coaching staff, Chris Beech and Tony Ellis, and will take charge of training on Wednesday as he prepares for Friday night’s trip to Cheltenham Town.

Chairman Chris Dunphy said: "This is not a position we, as a club, would liked to have found ourselves in, but after a recent run of poor form it was important that we acted now. I am delighted that Keith has decided to take the job and I am confident in his experience and his ability to work and develop our current squad."