Rotherham United manager Paul Warne says his new assistant manager Richie Barker will bring a new lease of life and fresh set of opinions to his coaching staff, as he prepares his squad for life in League One.
Barker’s return to the Millers was confirmed after he left Charlton Athletic to rejoin his former team mate Warne at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The ex-Hartlepool and Mansfield striker has carved out a successful career in coaching since leaving the Millers after his second spell, going on to manage the likes of Bury, Crawley Town and Portsmouth.
Warne believes that Barker’s experience of the managerial hot-seat, plus his reputation of being a well respected and skilled coach will only benefit the Millers.
“I wanted someone who was an ex-Miller and knows the club and I like to surround myself with people like that. Hammy is a local lad as well and there's Polly and Breck,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“Richie has had good experience in the Championship as a player and as a member of staff, but he also got a team out of League One which will be our goal next season.
“Anyone who knows me, will know that I'm not afraid to ask for advice off anyone. The more I can get the better and I think Richie, whilst he's not as funny as me, has a lot that I can learn.”
Barker has enjoyed a spell alongside Karl Robinson at MK Dons and was part of the staff that guided the Club to promotion in 2015.
He rejoined Robinson at Charlton in 2016 before returning to the Millers to link-up once with former team mate Warne.
Warne also added that Barker’s arrival prior to the end of the 2016/17 campaign will benefit the club in more ways than one, as he looks to lay the foundations for next season in League One.
“It's good and he's come in for this last final week,” he continued.
“I respect Richie and he's done really well in his managerial career but he sees his future in coaching, so he's an ideal wingman for me.
“I've been harping onto the lads for a few weeks now letting them know that there will be a massive change in the summer and Richie will be a big part of that.
“He's got a relationship with the lads so they know him when they come back and that will help with some of my decisions, whether he agrees with them or not will be pretty essential.
“I probably need someone to tell me as it is and all he ever does is talk about football, so between him and Hammy they'll be on it all the time. Both have their hearts in the right place and Richie's advice will be imperative if we're going to do well and be successful."