WITH the postponement of Saturday’s game against Chesterfield, Rochdale manager Keith Hill could have been forgiven for anticipating a relatively quiet weekend.

Sunday morning put paid to that, however, as Sky Sports reported Hill had applied for the vacant Walsall job within hours of Jimmy Mullen’s sacking.

With supporters desperately seeking confirmation either way, the club and Hill moved swiftly to set the record straight and by mid-afternoon the storm had passed.

Quite where it all came from is anyone’s guess.

"I honestly don’t know where it came from," said Hill. "I came back from the gym on Sunday and had a phonecall from Flicker telling me about the report – he was as surprised as I was by the whole thing. I quickly got in touch with people at the club to put the situation right – I wouldn’t do that kind of thing, apply for another job while contracted to this club. I don’t believe that’s any way to go about your business. I am just happy to get on with my job and have a great working relationship with all the staff, the players, the chairman and the chief executive.  I want to reassure everybody that I have not applied for any job while I have been contracted. I would not do that because I have too much respect for the club, for the chairman and for the players.  I convinced these players this is the right place for them to play their football. It is the right place for them and at this moment in time it is the right place for myself and Dave Flitcroft."