Keith Hill returned to former clubRochdale in January 2013 and led them to a 12th place finish, missing out on the play-offs by eight points. He will now look to bolster his squad during the summer with the aim of winning promotion up to League One next season, as he did with the club in 2011.
After a successful playing career, Keith Hill immediately joined up with Rochdale's coaching staff, where he was appointed Director of Youth. Having made over 150 appearances for the Dale it was surprise that Hill wanted to embark on his managerial career at a club he knew well.
His big break into management came in December 2006, when he was appointed caretaker-manager at Rochdale, following the sacking of Steve Parkin. After a fairly successful time as caretaker, Hill was handed the job outright at the turn of the year.
In his first full season, he managed to get Rochdale to the League Two play-off final, but they were beaten by Stockport County, whilst there was more play-off woe the following season as they lost in the semi-finals to Gillingham.
However, the 2010-2011 season would be his most successful, as Hill eventually managed to gain automatic promotion with Rochdale to League One as they finished third in League Two.
As Hlll continued to blossom at Spotland, his success caught the eye of Barnsley and he was lured away from Rochdale in June 2011, where he signed for the Yorkshire club as manager.
However, he was sacked at the end of 2012, and made an immediate return to former club Rochdale in January 2013, with the club finishing 12th at the end of the season.
As a proven manager, Keith Hill is sure to be given some time to try and improve Rochdale and once again lead them to promotion up to League One.
