Carlisle United's next league opponents Rochdale have appointed Jim Bentley as their new manager.

The former Morecambe and AFC Fylde boss has replaced Robbie Stockdale on a two-year contract.

Bentley's first game will be in the Papa John's Trophy against Accrington Stanley on Tuesday - while his first league match is at Brunton Park next Saturday.

Bentley, 46, emerged as Rochdale's choice despite leading figures in the betting having included ex-Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell and former Blues boss Chris Beech.

Bentley, speaking on Rochdale's website, said he was "delighted and proud" to have been appointed by the Spotland club, who are bottom of League Two after one point from six games.

“The football club has had some difficult times on and off the pitch over the last few seasons and I am determined to help improve things, move the club forward, and give the fans something to cheer about and be proud of," said Bentley, who has in past years been linked with the Carlisle job.

“We find ourselves in a difficult position at this present time, but we are only at the very start of the season and I am ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

“I am excited to take up this role and grateful to the board of directors for this opportunity. One thing I can guarantee is that I will give my absolute all for the football club, the supporters and the town.” 

Rochdale chairman Simon Gauge added: “The board and I felt it was really important that we not only recruited a manager that has had proven League Two playing and management experience, but also someone who will be a good cultural fit for our fan owned and fan-led club, as we all seek to bring us success and get us back up the football league.

“It has been a speedy but very detailed recruitment process during which we with met several potential interested candidates, all of whom have managed at that level, but we instantly found with Jim that he is going to be a good fit with our club.

“He has managed over 400 games at this level and his values of honesty, transparency, work ethic and most importantly fighting spirit are the exact qualities all of us at Rochdale AFC have shown over the past year and want to show in every competitive fixture and in every team the club puts out."

Rochdale said they will announce Bentley's assistant manager in due course. Caretaker Jim McNulty will revert to his player-coach role.