Former Rochdale and Bolton Wanderers boss Keith Hill has been appointed as the new manager of League Two side Tranmere Rovers. The Super Whites sacked Mike Jackson on October 31 after a 1-0 loss at home to Morecambe. Hill, who was in charge when Bolton were relegated to League Two last season, has been appointed until the end of the season but will trigger an automatic 12-month extension if he achieves promotion.
Tranmere Rovers Appoint Keith Hill
What Was Said?
Speaking to the club website about the appointment, Tranmere chairman Mark Palios said: “The remarkable job done by caretaker manager Ian Dawes, assisted by Andy Parkinson, meant that we had the time to conduct a very thorough interview process, which was necessary given the number of high-quality candidates who applied for the role.
“Keith emerged as the strongest candidate and I am delighted he has accepted the role. Keith has indicated that he wishes to work with Ian as his assistant manager and Andy as a first-team coach, which reflects the great job they have done in the interim.
“With Keith’s managerial experience and Ian and Andy’s knowledge of the current squad and coaching ability, I am confident they will make a very effective team.”
Improvement Already Underway
After winning just twice in their opening ten league games following their controversial relegation last season, Tranmere’s improvement since the departure of Jackson is already noticeable.
In their first game under caretaker boss Ian Dawes, they won 1-0 away at a Harrogate Town side who had impressed upon their promotion to the EFL. Following that, they knocked League One side Accrington Stanley out of the FA Cup and advanced to the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy after a penalty shoot-out win against Wigan Athletic.
Their resurgence continued last week when they scored twice in second-half stoppage time to record a 4-3 win away at Port Vale, and their fine work in November was capped off on Saturday with a thumping 5-0 win against Grimsby Town.
This excellent form under Dawes should give Keith Hill plenty of confidence that he can continue the fine work. Bolton-born Hill is an experienced manager at this level having been promoted out of the division twice with Rochdale and racking up almost 700 matches across his 14 years in management.
Hill told the club website: “I’m delighted to be joining Tranmere. It’s a club which has the facilities and the players to achieve promotion and that will be my aim. I can’t wait to get started, and I am only sorry that my first games will be without the supporters in attendance.”
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