Former Wigan Athletic and Accrington Stanley boss poised to become new manager at Rotherham United

The Millers have been without a full-time boss for three-and-a-half weeks - after the club parted company with Matt Taylor, who has since returned to work at League One outfit Bristol Rovers.

Leeds-born Richardson, 44, who left Wigan Athletic in November 2022, has been one of the prime candidates in the running for the position since Taylor was sacked on November 13.

The Yorkshireman, who has also previously managed Accrington Stanley, was assistant to Paul Cook at Wigan before becoming boss when the Liverpudlian departed in the summer of 2020 after the club's relegation to League One following a points deduction as a result of administration.

Richardson achieved promotion back to the Championship at the second time of asking in 2021-22, having secured survival in the club's first season back in League One.

They were promoted as champions, beating the Millers to silverware.

Speaking to the Wigan Observer recently, Richardson said that his break from management had recharged his batteries for the next challenge ahead.

He said: "Professionally, I’ve been able to reflect on my career, maintain what I believe in and discard some of the less important things.

"It has also allowed me to further my learning by observing other disciplines in sport.

"Importantly, too, I have been able to re-energise before focusing on the future and my next challenge.

"I’m sure, when that comes around, I’ll know it’s right for me.

"Just as importantly, I hope they will know I’m right for them."

Several other candidates have been linked with the Millers post since it became available.

Former Luton, Stoke and Southampton chief Nathan Jones turned down the job, while one-time Glasgow Rangers, Brentford and Nottingham Forest boss Mark Warburton and ex-Millwall, Derby and Stoke manager Gary Rowett were other contenders under consideration alongside former Millers boss Steve Evans.

Rotherham host managerless Swansea on Saturday.