CORK’S Brian Barry-Murphy has been appointed as the new Rochdale manager on a two-year contract.

A former player at the club, Barry-Murphy has taken charge since the departure of Keith Hill and Chris Beech last month, securing an impressive eight points from 12.

The 40-year-old, the son of Cork icon Jimmy Barry-Murphy, joined Rochdale in 2010 and has been part of the coaching staff since 2013.

The club are in the League 1 relegation places, inside the drop zone on goal difference. The ex-Cork City defender’s first game in charge is at home to Sunderland this weekend.

Speaking on the appointment, Rochdale chairman Andrew Kilpatrick said: “Brian Barry-Murphy is, without doubt, the right person to take Rochdale forward.

“He is young, hungry for success and extremely talented. Brian is held in the highest regard by everyone at RAFC and in the wider football business.

“As a club, we have been overwhelmed by the number of calls that we have received from people within the industry who have had nothing but the highest praise for him.

“As has been apparent from his four games in temporary charge, the squad are fully behind Brian and this has been fully reflected in their commitment and performance on the pitch.

“This appointment is singularly well-merited and, we hope, ushers in a new and exciting chapter for Rochdale AFC.

“We have seven vital games remaining this season. I hope that everyone will get behind Brian and the team, giving them our full support for the rest of the campaign and beyond.”

During his career in England, after moving from Cork City in 1999, Barry-Murphy played for Preston, Sheffield Wednesday and Bury before moving to Rochdale.