Rochdale manager Keith Hill is now the favourite to take over from Mark Robins as Barnsley manager, despite the Rochdale club denying the stories.
Hill, who last summer led the Spotland outfit to their first promotion in 41 years managed to guide the club to a more than respectable ninth position in League One this season, just three points off the play-off places.
The 42 year old who enjoyed a distiguised playing career with Blackburn, Plymouth and Rochdale is as short as 1/6 with some bookmakers to fill the Oakwell post. Only today though Dale chief executive Colin Garlick stated they had received no enquires about Hill and would not entertain any.
Over 20 people have applied for the job with Reds director Don Rowing claiming even managers from as far as France and Italy have shown interest. The club is set to properly start interviewing candidates at the start of next week, with an appointment likely before the bank holiday weekend.
Meanwhile one person guaranteed to be at Oakwell next season is striker Andy Gray. The club confirmed today that the 33 year old will excersise a one year option in his contract on the 1st July. The former Sheffield United and Leeds striker scored seven goals in 34 apperances in 2010-2011 making him second top scorer behind Adam Hammill.
Don Rowing has also moved to quash rumours that highly rated young midfielder Jacob Butterfield could be sold. The 20 year old has really made his mark this season scoring twice in 31 games and, with just one year left on his contract is being admired by a string of clubs including Aston Villa, Wolves, Queen’s Park Ranges and Leicester City.
Rowing though told the Star:
“We’ve had no contact with any clubs wanting to sign Jacob, as far as we’re concerned he’s still a Barnsley player. It’s just rumours.”