Former Everton U18s assistant manager Phil Jevons has joined Rochdale.

Jevons, who has been working with the Rochdale squad in the last couple of weeks, has joined Jim Bentley's backroom staff as first-team coach on a part-time basis. Bentley's coaching staff also includes former Blues forward Nick Chadwick.

“It's been really good. I've known the gaffer for a long time," Jevons said on his appointment. “He's made me very welcome, and the lads have been brilliant with me so far.

"Everybody has engaged in all the sessions that we've done, and it's been really enjoyable. I want to use my expertise, which is around the attacking third and working with the attacking unit.

“That's what I've been doing, although the gaffer and Chaddy [Nick Chadwick] have got me doing more than I expected! But it's all good and I'm enjoying it so far."

While Rochdale boss Bentley added: “Jevo is a fantastic person and a great professional. He's got good experience from Everton.

“He's highly regarded, well-liked and respected within the game. With his time at Everton and Sunderland, he's been involved in both the youth side and first team side, which is a big positive.

“And having been here at Rochdale before, he knows the football club and worked extremely hard with certain players who have gone on to do really well. I'm sure he'll be an asset to the football club."