Rochdale boss Keith Hill has paid tribute to Bury counterpart Alan Knill ahead of this weekend's meeting between the two sides.The former Chesterfield assistant has transformed the Shakers since taking over in February and has guided the Lancashire outfit to League Two safety.

Knills side welcome fourth-placed Dale on Saturday having won seven of their last 10 games.

"Knilly has gone in there and had a really good effect on them," said Hill. "I don't know what he has brought to the team but they are obviously responding to his tactics and to him himself.

"Credit has to go Knilly and his players because it is a collective and they are cohesive in what they are doing and difficult to beat at the moment.

"We are as well, though, and I wouldn't want to be an opposing manager taking us on at the moment."

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