Ex-Wanderers man Leam Richardson is relishing the challenge of keeping Rotherham in the Championship after being named as the Millers’ new boss.

Richardson has signed a deal which runs until 2026 with the Yorkshire club following a 13-month spell away from management.

The 44-year-old’s last role was at Wigan, guiding the Latics to the League One title in 2022 before he was sacked after a tough start to life in the second tier. He was replaced by Kolo Toure, who lasted just nine games and failed to record a single victory.

Rotherham currently sit at the foot of the table, having won just two league matches since the start of the campaign.

“The club showed interest in acquiring my services. I think it is important that you see yourself fitting in moving forward,” he told the club’s YouTube channel.

“I have seen Rotherham from afar and competed against them many times. They epitomise hard work, success and all the above drew me to this day.

“I have worked at many football clubs and had many experiences and successes. You want to continue that within your career and the level is fantastic in the Championship.

“We find ourselves in a place at the moment which is going to be hard, we are going to have to work hard and commit every day.

“But the effort and endeavour that Rotherham teams give, relentless pressure, to make sure we try to maintain that.”

Richardson had offers to return to management over the past year but decided to take a break due to personal reasons.

He will be hoping to hit the ground running when Rotherham host promotion hopefuls West Brom tonight.

“I have been managing and coaching for 14 years at different clubs and in different environments,” Richardson added.

“I chose to have that time off for personal reasons but your love of football quickly draws you back. That is what Rotherham gave me.

“I have never shied away from any challenge in my life and this is one that we will address quickly and meet head on.

“We will learn a lot about each other, the club, the players and the staff. We will do it with enjoyment, hard work and endeavour to try to meet that goal which everybody strives for.”