ROCHDALE want Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman as their new boss.

Rochdale are currently third from bottom of League One and it is understood they are now making attempts to install Coleman as manager, having sacked Steve Eyre in December.

Stanley insisted last night they were unaware of any interest and were confident that Coleman would remain in charge.

It is believed, however, that Rochdale’s interest is real and that Coleman, who was spotted at Prenton Park watching Rochdale’s match at Tranmere on Tuesday, would not dismiss an approach out of hand.

The 49-year-old, who took charge of Stanley in 1999 and has guided the club from the UniBond First Division to League Two, has never hidden his ambition to manage in League One but Rochdale are in danger of relegation and it is far from certain at this stage that Coleman will opt to leave.

Stanley would also be due significant compensation for their manager, who signed a new contract 15 months ago tying him to the club until 2015, and that proved a major stumbling block when Bradford City made their interest known last year.

Coleman was last night made 8/11 favourite for the job but caretaker boss Chris Beech also remains in the running.