Horton bids to become new Rochdale manager – but fans want Ritchie

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With the manager’s seat at Spotland vacant after the sacking of Steve Parkin last weekend, various names have been thrown into the ring to take up the position. Former Macclesfield boss Brian Horton has been linked with the job after announcing an interest earlier in the week but the fans favourite is the man recently dismissed from his position at Barnsley, Andy Ritchie.

Horton has the credentials and the experience to manage a club in the lower reaches of the football league after three full seasons with Macclesfield but it is not clear whether his appointment would prove popular amidst reports that he ‘lost the dressing room’ at the Moss Rose in his latter days as manager earlier this season. He left the Silkmen in October, bottom of the table and without a win.

Meanwhile, Ritchie seemed interested in the job when speaking on BBC Radio Manchester but remained respectful of the man who has just left the club. He said: “If they were to approach me it is something I would consider. But they haven’t approached me and I’m just taking stock of things at the moment.

“I’ve still got to finalise things with Barnsley, but expect my compensation to be sorted this week and don’t envisage any difficulties with that. But I’m disappointed for Steve. He’s a good mate of mine and I like him a lot. I’m disappointed it’s happened to him.”

Ritchie was dismissed from his position with the Yorkshire club last month, with the main reason for his sacking being that he did not sign enough players and spend enough money; a problem that he would be unlikely to face if he becomes Rochdale boss! His record with Barnsley was impressive, guiding the side back to the Championship courtesy of a Play-Off final win last May.

The man to get first crack of the whip as the new Rochdale manager will be Youth Team coach Keith Hill as he takes charge of first team affairs this coming weekend. It looks as though it will be a baptism of fire for Hill, with his first game in charge being at promotion challengers MK Dons.

The ex-Rochdale centre half will be assisted in his task by another former defender as Gareth Griffiths today returned to the club to help out before the new management team is decided upon. Griffiths is currently out of first team action for his club Northwich Victoria, allowing him to temporarily return to Spotland to become caretaker assistant manager. Former club captain, Griffiths was a popular man in the dressing room and it is hoped his presence will help Rochdale through the tough Christmas fixtures.