Hill confirmed as Barnsley manager

The 42-year-old leaves npower League One side Rochdale to take over at Oakwell following Mark Robins’ departure last month.

It had looked as if the Tykes would miss out on their man after a first round of discussions had ended with them being unable to agree terms with Hill, but they reopened talks at the weekend and a deal was agreed.

Hill said: “I am excited by this new challenge and it is a fantastic opportunity to develop a brand of football and build a team that will be like-minded in my values to be hardworking, enthusiastic, hungry, creative, dedicated, disciplined, organised and above all, have the will to win.”

General manager and club director Don Rowling said of the appointment: “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 as he looks to take this club forward.”

Hill, who has taken his backroom staff across the Pennines with him, has led Dale to unprecedented success, giving them their first promotion in 41 years.

He then guided them to the brink of the play-offs in League One last season and leaves Spotland after four-and-a-half years in charge.

Rochdale chairman Chris Dunphy said in a statement: “I would like to wish Keith Hill and (assistant) Dave Flitcroft all the best and ask all of our supporters to judge them on what they have achieved over the last four-and-a-half years rather than the events of the last four-and-a-half days.

“During their time in charge 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 they have given to us all and for the way in which they have contributed to transforming the image of our club.”

For the full story read Thursday’s Yorkshire Post.