Former Wigan Athletic chief parts company with relegated Rotherham United

The 44-year-old - who led Latics to the League One title in 2021-22, after steering them to the greatest of Great Escapes the previous season after administration - was only in the role for five months.

He succeeded Matt Taylor in December with the club bottom of the table, but the Millers won only two of their 24 matches under his charge.

They are currently 22 points below the safety mark with three games to play.

Assistant boss Rob Kelly, who was part of Richardson's backroom staff at Wigan, has also left Rotherham.

"Rotherham United can confirm that the club have parted company with first team head coach Leam Richardson with immediate effect," read a club statement.

"Leam was appointed in December 2023, taking charge of 24 matches in all competitions during that time. Assistant head coach Rob Kelly has also left the club.

"Everyone at Rotherham United would like to thank Leam and Rob for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.

"The search to appoint a new first team manager is already under way, with further communication to follow in due course."

Richardson had been expected to be given the summer to try to steady the ship, having been able to bring in only three players – including Charlie Wyke on loan from Wigan – during the January transfer window.

And the decision clearly took him by surprise, having recently given an interview to local media stating his intention to ‘rebuild’ the club.

“When I came here there were a lot of issues that I didn't know were going on, and I'm sure some people will never know,” he told the Rotherham Advertiser last month.

“It's a club that needs managing, it's a club that needs rebuilding. It needs somebody to get their teeth into it.

“It would have been easy to give up or walk away but that's certainly not in my character. My character is to recognise organisations and see the good in things and the good in people and to always leave a place better than you found it.

“That's my aim here. I'm not a quitter. I've been in football since I was 14. At every single club I've played for, coached or managed, I've won something. I'm hoping Rotherham will be no different.

“I've been in situations where I've had to dig deep and I've come out the other side, but in the main my career has gone on an upward curve and I've been quite successful.”

Interestingly, Rotherham’s statement signalled their intention to recruit a ‘manager’, rather than a ‘head coach’ as was Richardson’s remit.

And the Millers wasted no time in replacing the outgoing boss, with Steve Evans installed as new chief within a matter of hours.

The 61-year-old returns to the club he guided into the Championship a decade ago, after walking out on Stevenage, whom he led into League One.