Morecambe assistant Mark Lillis and current Carlisle number two Greg Abbott have also been mentioned as possible contenders.

BBC: Allen tempted by Huddersfield job

Another Iron player, 23-year-old goalkeeper Josh Lillis is also currently on loan at Rochdale, his second spell at the club.

BBC: Injured Chelsea reserve Ben Gordon makes Iron loan move

Dale keeper Josh Lillis failed to hold a close range sidefoot from debutant Derbyshire as the striker's effort was deemed to have crossed the line before it had been cleared from the Dale goalmouth.

BBC: Birmingham 3-2 Rochdale

And they only had themselves - and their poor finishing - to blame, not least Butterfield who fired an early chance over, curled another effort wide of the post, saw another shot held by Rochdale goalkeeper Josh Lillis and was inches off target with a header.

BBC: Sport - Football - Barnsley 0-1 Rochdale