ROBBIE Stockdale has been handed his first managerial role as he takes over at League Two Rochdalde and it's safe to say he's happy with his new job.

The 41-year-old has not long been out of work after leaving West Brom following the sides relegation from the Premier League and Sam Allardyce's resignation as manager. 

The former Boro full-back started his career with Middlesbrough making 75 league appearances before going on to play for Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United and Hull City before finishing his playing career at Grimsby Town.

Stockdale was handed a coaching role with the Mariners before moving to Sunderland to become a part of the backroom staff at the Stadium of Light, where he stayed for six years. He also had three spells there as caretaker manager.

Stockdale told the club website: "I am really, really pleased to be here. I really enjoyed speaking to the Board about their vision for the club and it became clear very quickly that vision matches mine.

“It was obviously a disappointing season in the end last year due to relegation but we want to bounce back.

"I’ve come here to win; that’s the main priority. We want to be really positive and we want to be an attacking team with high energy that supporters enjoy coming to watch.

"The fans are such a huge part of the club and we owe it to them to give one hundred percent in every game and try to get some positive results on the pitch.

“The fans have missed out on so much football over the last year and a half due to the pandemic and it has been a tough time.

"We want to make sure that when they come back in they see a team that always gives a hundred percent either win, lose or draw. 

"There are some really good players in the squad and I want to bring in some more to help the players that are already here.

"Through the contacts I have built up over the years - I have worked in senior football for the last six years - I’ll be looking to get players in who can come and complement those that we already have here. 

"The main aim now is to be ready for our first league game of the season on August 10th so there is a lot of work to be done from now until then, but with everybody pulling in the right direction I can see a real successful season for us."