Rochdale are delighted to announce the appointment of John Coleman as first team manager.

The 49 year old joins Dale after 12 years in charge at League Two side Accrington Stanley.

A compensation deal was agreed with Accrington Stanley yesterday evening for the release of Coleman, and his assistant Jimmy Bell, who will also join him at Spotland.

The move to Rochdale sees the two men continue a managerial partnership which has spanned more than 14 years. The pair spent two years together in charge at Ashton United before moving onto Accrington Stanley in 1999.

The appointment sees Chris Beech, who was in temporary charge of the first team following the departure of Steve Eyre in December, return his role of Youth Team Manager.

Rochdale Chairman Chris Dunphy said: "I would like to welcome John and Jimmy to the club. We, as a board, felt that John Coleman was the right man to take us forward and I'm delighted to secure his services. This season hasn't panned out the way we wanted, and we of course find ourselves in a difficult position in the league. Since the departure of Steve Eyre in December we have been looking at all our options and I believe John and Jimmy are the right men for the job now, and in the future.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Chris Beech for stepping up to the plate and taking charge of the first team on a temporary basis. Chris has been a fantastic servant to this club during both his playing career and his time in charge of the youth set up, and has continued to show his dedication towards Rochdale AFC in recent weeks."