Rochdale, currently second bottom of League One, have approached Accrington boss John Coleman for the vacant manager's post. Coleman has been in charge of Stanley for 13 seasons, making him the third-longest serving manager in English football, but on Monday morning the League Two outfit him permission to speak to Rochdale.

Speaking to his club's website, Accrington chief executive Rob Heys said: "It must be stressed that this is a very early point of a process.

"We will always be absolutely fair to John and Jimmy (Bell, Coleman's assistant), who have given their all to our club."

A statement on Rochdale's official website read: "Rochdale Football Club can confirm that Accrington Stanley have given their permission for Rochdale AFC officials to speak to their manager John Coleman regarding the vacant managerial position at Spotland."

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