‘Saddened’ Hill found Barnsley challenge tempting

BARNSLEY’s new manager Keith Hill does not intend to apologise for walking out on Rochdale.

Hill crossed the Pennines yesterday – just a week after ruling out the move – and his U-turn has left supporters stunned at the League One club.

A statement issued by Rochdale chairman Chris Dunphy heaped praise on the 42-year-old who served his former club for 10 years during spells as a player and manager.

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Hill said: “I have done nothing wrong over the last four-and-a-half days and it was with a sad heart that I left Rochdale – but this is an unbelievable challenge.

“Whatever happens in the future, I will always maintain that this is the right decision for me and, possibly, Barnsley Football Club. I will offer no excuses for leaving.”

Explaining the reasons behind his decision, Hill said: “It wasn’t a re-think, I just wanted an opportunity to think clearly without being under pressure.

“My mind always told me it was the right decision but I was trying to be respectful to Rochdale and put myself under pressure to make a quick decision.

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“I know it’s hurting the Rochdale supporters now but I hope they will understand in the long term. The future is bright for Rochdale but our future is taking a different direction.”

When Hill steered Rochdale to promotion in 2010 it ended the club’s run of 36 consecutive years in the Football League’s basement division.

This season, they only missed out on League One play-off qualification by three points and equalled the club’s highest league finish since 1970.

Hill, who beat off competition from Kevin Blackwell, Alan Irvine and Brian Laws, has signed a one-year rolling contract at Oakwell along with his No 2 David Flitcroft.

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Rochdale chairman Dunphy said: “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 four-and-a-half years rather than on 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 that they have given to us all and for the way in which they have contributed to transforming the image of our club.”