Ex-Tykes boss Hill is sacked by struggling Rochdale

ROCHDALE have sacked manager Keith Hill as they fight to stay in League One.

Hill was in his second spell in charge at Spotland, taking over again in 2013 having previously managed the club between 2006 and 2011.

He had 19 months in charge of Barnsley before returning to Rochdale.

The 49-year-old has been dismissed following a run of nine defeats in the last 11 League One games, with Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Luton leaving Rochdale 22nd in the table and five points adrift of safety.

No 2 Chris Beech has also gone and a club statement read: “It has been the most difficult decision that the board has had to make, but it is felt that due to results on the pitch that a new direction is needed.

“We believe the next five games against opposition in and around us represents a great opportunity to try and retain our League One status, which is why this action has been taken now.

“Brian Barry Murphy and Tony Ellis will take training this week ahead of Saturday’s game against Shrewsbury Town.”

Hill has achieved two of the three promotions in Rochdale’s history, most recently in 2014, and is regarded as the club’s most successful manager.

■ Championship strugglers Bolton Wanderers closed their training ground as the club’s financial problems continued to mount.

Players and staff are yet to be paid their February wages and the next-to-bottom Championship club were issued with a winding-up petition last month.

Greater Manchester Police are also negotiating with them over money owed for policing matches and owner Ken Anderson is looking to sell.

■ Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman has a decision to make over his goalkeepers as he prepares for tonight’s League One match with Blackpool.

Former Guiseley player Jonny Maxted was an unused substitute for Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Coventry after suffering mild concussion during the 1-1 draw with Southend the previous weekend.

Dimitar Evtimov, who replaced Maxted against the Shrimpers, was handed a full debut in his place, but with both men now fit Coleman has to decide who gets the nod.

Defender Ross Sykes is still a couple of weeks away from a return as he recovers from a slight groin tear.

Several players have been affected by a bug which has swept through the dressing room.