STEVE Parkin is set to be unveiled as the new Barnsley manager.

Parkin has guided Rochdale to second in the third division, but he has seemingly decided to leave, reportedly saying: "Barnsley want me and I want to go."

Barnsley have had a disappointing season and are currently second bottom of Division One. After dispensing with manager Nigel Spackman they turned to Parkin and Rochdale have confirmed that the Tykes have been in talks with the highly rated manager.

"It is a big disappointment to lose Steve and you could say we are paying the price for the vast improvement he has brought about in the time he has been with us," a director told the Rochdale Observer.

"I think it is fair to say he will have left Rochdale before the weekend game with Bristol Rovers."

Barnsley chairman John Dennis has not yet confirmed that Parkin will be the new manager, but did say cryptically that the speculation regarding Parkin had been 'not a million miles away from the mark'.

Compensation

Parkin is though to want Tony Ford as his assistant, although Dale would hold out for compensation as both are contracted at Spotland until the 2002/03 season.

Parkin has transformed Dale from a team almost always near the bottom of the third division to genuine promotion candidates, while also bringing through youngsters such as Kevin Townson and Matt Gilks.

In the last week Parkin has denied he would be leaving for Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport, before the Barnsley link surfaced.

Who should Dale replace Parkin with? Let us know your views.

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