Rotherham United would have had to search far and wide for a new goalkeeping coach as well versed in the workings of the club as the newly-appointed Andy Warrington.
The Sheffield-born coach needs no history lessons prior to his return to Rotherham and very few introductions to the staff at Roundwood, as he rejoins the club he represented as a player at Millmoor, Don Valley and AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Warrington endeared himself to Rotherham United supporters for his contribution between 2007 and 2013 having been signed by Mark Robins in the club’s final year at Millmoor before going on to turn out over 200 times in the club’s colours.
After hanging up his boots, he enjoyed roles in the Community and Academy wings of the club and has since been successful in roles as goalkeeper coach at Grimsby Town and Lincoln City.
Speaking to www.themillers.co.uk following his return to Rotherham United, Warrington admitted that the Millers have remained close to his heart and added he is relishing the opportunity ahead of him.
“I'm absolutely delighted,” he beamed.
“I've had some really good times at Lincoln over the last 18 months but once I got the call from Warney, I didn't need to make a decision - it was done for me.
“It is a club that I hold really close to my heart and I want to be a part of something really special here. I had six years as a player here and I was lucky enough to do Millmoor, Don Valley and here [AESSEAL New York Stadium].
“When I was released as a player, the club was really good to me. They looked after me and gave me a job with the community.
“That is something that personally will always stick with me. When my dad died the club was excellent, so I have a real affiliation with Rotherham United and I know I have big shoes to fill with Polly leaving.”
Warrington continued to explain that he may pick the brains of outgoing coach and friend Mike Pollitt on the current goalkeepers, while adding that there won’t be too many introductions needed at Roundwood as he is reunited with some more familiar faces on the staff.
“We're friends, so I can tap into him for his knowledge on the recent events at the club with the 'keepers but it is something that I am really looking forward to,” he added.
“I played with Warney and then he went onto the fitness side of things while I was at the club. I played with Richie and I have know Matt Hamshaw for years and years. The medical staff are all new but they're all a great set, they've made me feel really welcome.”
Meanwhile Warrington is looking forward to joining up with the club’s goalkeepers, one of whom he already knows and another is a player he admits he has tracked the progress of from afar.
“They are both two excellent 'keepers. Dan [Iversen] is someone that I've kept an eye on for quite a while now myself,” he continued.
“He had a fantastic time at Oldham last season when obviously we [Lincoln] were in the same division.
“I saw a lot of his games last season and it was something that as a goalkeeper coach you note. I'll be honest, it was something that really interested me in January of last season and he has definitely got huge potential and will be a very good goalkeeper.
“Pricey is in the latter stages of his career but he looks after himself really well and is an excellent trainer. He's great to work with on a daily basis. I had Loz [Bilboe] when I was with the Academy around four or five years ago now, so I've known him for a good few years as well.”