Hill in the frame as Barnsley prepare to unveil

The Tykes have called a press conference for tomorrow lunchtime where Hill, who initially rejected a move to Oakwell, is expected to be unveiled.

Since moving into management four years ago, Hill, 42, has steered Rochdale into League One and secured the Lancashire club’s highest league finish for 41 years.

A former Blackburn Rovers and Plymouth Argyle defender, he was given permission to talk with the Tykes following the departure of manager Mark Robins two weeks ago.

Although he snubbed the move last week, the Yorkshire Post understands that he accepted an improved offer over the weekend.

Hill had also been interviewed for the manager’s job at Sheffield United but lost out to Danny Wilson. He will be accompanied to Oakwell by his current assistant David Flitcroft, who is the younger brother of former Sheffield United and Manchester City midfielder Garry.

The Tykes revived their interest in Hill after being blocked in a move for Leyton Orient’s manager Russell Slade.

Orient chairman Barry Hearn was unwilling to grant permission for talks.

Chesterfield’s John Sheridan was another target for the Tykes but the former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United midfielder has been offered a five-year deal and promised funding to push on in League One by Chesterfield owner Dave Allen.

Other applicants for the Oakwell post included former Sheffield United and Leeds United boss Kevin Blackwell, Alan Irvine, Brian Laws, Phil Parkinson and former Manchester City striker Uwe Rosler.

Hill and Barnsley owner Patrick Cryne have already discussed strategies for the task of keeping the club in the Championship next season.

Under Robins, Barnsley finished 17th in this season’s table – 14 points clear of the relegation zone – the club’s highest league position for a decade.

However, the former Manchester United striker resigned following a disagreement with Cryne over budget cuts.

Hill is no stranger to success on a limited budget at Spotland, which bodes well for the Tykes.

It will not be the first time in recent years that Barnsley have turned to a manager from Rochdale as, a decade ago, they moved for Steve Parkin to replace Nigel Spackman in the Oakwell post.

n Watford striker Liam Henderson, who spent a period on loan at Rotherham United this season, has signed a two-year deal with Blue Square Premier League side York City.