Frecklington deal "made sense for all parties."

And, says the Millers chief Paul Warne, the deal "made sense for all parties."

The 32-year-old, out of contract this summer, has moved to secure his longer-term future by rejoining his home-town club for an undisclosed fee.

OUR ANALYSIS: Lee Frecklington - the man at the heart of so many great moments

It is understood that the Imps beat Steve Evans' Mansfield Town to the signature of the player who was one of the driving forces behind Rotherham's back-to-back promotions in 2013 and 2014 and has remained a significant figure since.

Millers chief Paul Warne said: "Lee was in the the final year of his contract. He lives in Lincoln and it really pulled at his heartstrings.

"Ever since I've been here second time around, most of the good moments we have had, he has been part of. He will go down in folklore here.

"He moves on now and goes to his home town club which is a good move for him with two young children. Everyone here wishes him all the best.

"The situation arose and the money was offered. We weren't phoning clubs asking them to take him, but it was something that he and Lincoln really wanted to do so it made sense in the end for all parties.

"Football goes on. It is our task now to sign the next Lee Frecklington who will be here for three, four, five years in our midfield. He has had a big part to play in this club's success and he goes with our best wishes."

Frecklington, an Advertiser columnist, made 170 appearances for the Millers in all competitions, scoring 30 goals, after initially being brought in on loan from Peterborough by Evans in October 2012.

News of the departure comes less than an hour after the announcement of striker Michael Smith's arrival from Bury.