Keith Hill has ‘a lot of respect’ for Blackpool manager Gary Bowyer

Keith Hill

Rochdale AFC manager Keith Hill has spoken out about how much he respects opposition Blackpool’s manager, Gary Bowyer, ahead of Tuesday’s away game (26 September).

Rochdale are looking to score a hat-trick of wins after defeating Gillingham 3-0 and Bury 4-0 in thier previous two outings.

Blackpool lost to League One opponents Bristol Rovers by 3-1 on Saturday 23 September, following their 3-1 defeat of Oxford the weekend before.

Rochdale have won nine head-to-head matches against Blackpool in both League and the FA Cup.

Hill said: "Gary Bowyer is a great friend of mine and he is an excellent manager.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for him and his dad Ian, who was Assistant Manager at Plymouth when I played down there.”

Hill was signed to Plymouth between 1992 and 1996 after playing for Blackburn as a junior.

He continued: “When he got his opportunity at Blackpool, I knew he would be successful and he has done a terrific job there. He got them promoted last season and I think they’ll go from strength to strength with him."

He added: "Blackpool are lucky to have Gary as a manager.”