BREAKING: Rotherham United appoint Barker as assistant manager

Aston-born Barker joins manager Paul Warne’s coaching team following a spell with League One club Charlton Atheltic, and previously a stint with MK Dons.

He has had managerial spells with Portsmouth, Bury and Crawley but joined MK Dons as manager Karl Robinson’s assistant in 2014.

The 41-year-old former Rotherham Boys player followed Robinson to the capital and Charlton to continue as his number two at the beginning of this season.

Barker enjoyed two spells with the Millers in his playing days, earning 170 appearances and notching 18 goals. He is perhaps best remembered for his last minute header that secured victory at Hillsborough in 2002.

Barker beats Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman with a last minute header at Hillsborough to secure a 2-1 win

Warne told the Advertiser: “I've been mates with Richie for years. We needed someone with experience of League One and the Championship.

“He's played at the club and understands the club. He did well at Bury and Crawley and managed at Portsmouth and was instrumental in getting MK Dons up from League One and had a season in the Championship. It wasn't great but he has learnt lessons from that and went to Charlton this season.

“I had a lot of good people to choose from but I'm happy to have him on board.”

Barker joins other former players Warne, goalkeeping coach Mike Pollitt and  John Breckin on the coaching team, along with Matt Hamshaw.

See this week's Advertiser - out in major supermarkets tonight - for Warne's update on midfielder Will Vaulks and full build-up to Sunday's season finale.