13Jun

Eyre replaces Hill at Spotland

by Liam G

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They are some mighty big boots to fill, but Steve Eyre has accepted the challenge of succeeding Keith Hill at Rochdale.

Hill’s departure brings to an end the most successful period in the club’s history as he moved to Barnsley.

The Spotland legend attracted some criticism for his protracted departure after he rejected the move to Oakwell before completing a u-turn.  However, it would be unfair for supporters to complain too much- he did lead the club to a second-ever promotion and a rollercoaster ride in League One after all.

Eyre may seem a risky replacement as he has no Football League (or, for that matter, senior) experience, but he does seem like the ideal candidate.

The board took their time to sift through the candidates and clearly looked for a manager who would follow the ethos that Hill and David Flitcroft brought to the club.  Namely, attacking football, a focus on youth and strong man-management skills.

Here are some reasons why Eyre fits the bill:

Eyre is a former Manchester City youth coach, where he achieved considerable success, so will be more than comfortable developing young talent.  With former Dale youngster Will Buckley moving to Brighton for £1m recently, the focus at the club as clear, especially as they netted £150,000 from a sell-on clause.

The City links may still run deep, allowing Dale to tap into the local giants’ youth and reserve sides.  Rochdale have benefitted from their close proximity before- most recently with Andrew Tutte’s loan spell last season- and Eyre’s experience and contacts could see him make the best of the loan system.

Eyre is not the only manager to come to Spotland with no previous senior experience; so did Keith Hill.  With no past baggage in the eyes of supporters, the new boss has the opportunity to mould the club in to a shape that suits him, just like his predecessor did.  Sometimes, a reputation can be drain rather than a positive thing- just ask Steve McClaren.

As for the attacking football, it is too early to say how Eyre will set up in his new role.  It would surely be madness for him to depart too much from Hill’s swashbuckling side.

Eyre has a tough summer ahead.  After the departure of Craig Dawson and Owain Fon Williams’ release, a quality goalkeeper and centre-half is a must.

The contract situation with captain Gary Jones must also be urgently addressed.  The veteran is out of contract with a new deal put on hold until the new manager was named.  The retention of Jones must be the first task for Eyre, especially following the midfielder’s wonder season in the previous campaign.

It’s not all despair for Dale in their ‘difficult’ second season in League One.  The Buckley fee and the remains of the Dawson deal are likely to ensure that, for once, Eyre will not need to sell.

There may even be money to spend.  Well, probably not.  Regardless of how much there is to spend, a significant amount of players are likely to join the club in the coming weeks.

So cautious optimism will be the view of most Rochdale fans as they adjust to life without Keith Hill.  Time will tell just how much he is missed as the club enters the Eyre era.

Posted by Stockport fan Liam G