Barnsley have taken the step of releasing a statement castigating rumours that assistant manager David Flitcroft could be returning to Rochdale as their new manager.
“Flicker” and Reds boss Keith Hill enjoyed a four year stint at Spotland between 2006 and 2011, taking Dale to promotion for the first time in 41 years in the 2009-2010 season and then guiding them to an impressive ninth place position in League One last season.
Flitcroft, 37, who also enjoyed a six year playing stint at Rochdale, moved with Hill to Oakwell in the summer, and the Greater Manchester club appointed Manchester City youth coach Steve Eyre to replace them. But Rochdale have had a poor start to their second season in English football’s third tier, and Eyre was sacked on the 19th December with the club in the relegation zone. They have appointed Head of Youth Chris Beech on a short-term deal but he is yet to engineer a win, despite signing former Reds favourite Daniel Bogdanovic on loan, and with the club second from bottom, three points off safety, chairman Chris Dunphy is keen to make a full time appointment.
This led SKY Sports to claim they had approached Barnsley looking to entice Flitcroft back to Spotland, but Reds Director Don Rowing claims this is nonsense.
The statement on www.barnsleyfc.co.uk reads:
Contrary to press reports made this morning regarding Rochdale and David Flitcroft, Barnsley Football Club can put the record straight.
"Barnsley Football Club have had no approach from Rochdale regarding our Assistant Manager David Flitcroft," said Don Rowing, Director.
"Once again Barnsley Football Club seems to be the focus of rumours that have been made without any substance.
"David Flitcroft is an important part of our team here and he will be remaining here."
Source: FOOTYMAD
