Departing Eric Black convinced Neil Redfearn can lead Rotherham United forward

The 52-year-old joined the coaching set-up at the Millers last summer and had one game in temporary charge before Neil Redfearn replaced Steve Evans as manager.

Steve Bruce’s former assistant is fluent in French from a five-year spell he had at Metz and Remi Garde sees Black as the ideal man to join his backroom staff.

Millers chief Redfearn said: “He has had an opportunity that he felt he couldn’t turn down and we fully appreciated that, so he goes with everyone’s best wishes.

“Eric really bought into what I wanted to do here and was very popular with the players and staff. It isn’t easy when people move on but I have spoken to the chairman (Tony Stewart) regarding potential candidates for the role, and we remain focused this week as we prepare for a big game on Saturday (at home to Charlton Athletic).”

Black, whose appointment by the Premier League club is expected to be made today, added: “I didn’t know Neil before he arrived but he was brilliant to me from day one.

“He is an exceptional coach, one of the best I have worked with, and with the support of the chairman and everyone else I am sure he will take the club forward.”

n In-form Burnley leapfrogged promotion rivals Derby County into third place in the Championship table thanks to a well-deserved 4-1 victory.

Sean Dyche’s side scored three unanswered goals in the second half, two from the penalty spot through Andre Gray and Sam Vokes, before Scott Arfield completed the scoring.

Burnley took a first-half lead when Richard Keogh headed into his own net, but Jacob Butterfield immediately replied.