Following rumours circulating on Friday, it's now been confirmed that Robbie Stockdale is the new Rochdale manager.

Following heavy movement in the odds and rumours circulating online that Robbie Stockdale could be the new manager, it was confirmed this weekend that the 41 year old was indeed the replacement for Brian Barry-Murphy having signed a 2 year deal at Spotland.

Stockdale had a 14 year playing career which started out in 1997 at Middlesbrough in the Championship (Division One in old money), and then the Premier League and he went on to play 91 games for Boro, scoring twice. He had loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United and Rotherham United before he joined Rotherham on a permanent deal. He also had spells at Hull City, Darlington on loan, Tranmere Rovers and Grimsby Town. In fact it was former Dale manager Alan Buckley who took him to Blundell Park.

The defender was capped 5 times by Scotland despite representing England at Under 21 level.

He has most recently been U23's coach at West Bromwich Albion and an important part of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff after Big Sam worked with him at Sunderland previously.

He's also been caretaker manager at Sunderland between their endless amount of managerial changes and worked with Steve Bruce, David Moyes as well as Big Sam.

Welcome to the club Robbie and good luck, Christ knows you will need it.

Photo: Action Images

1949er added 18:45 - Jul 9 Confirmed!!!
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