Richardson returned to Field Mill this week as reserve team coach, but very much as McEwan's right hand man.

The pair go back 20 years to when Richardson was signed by the then Rotherham boss McEwan.

"I gave him his break as a young player when we signed him from Brandon United and it was the best £500 Rotherham ever spent as they got 11 years service from him" said the Stags boss.

"He had a good career as a player and when I went to York he was my youth team coach and also wrote reports on other teams for me.

"He is an experienced kid and I am glad he has come on board. "He has been here before and has come back as reserve team manager. But I am not into titles and he will be working with the reserves and be with me for first team matches as well."

Richardson was assistant manager to Stuart Watkiss at Field Mill when Stags were promoted in 2001/02 and he said: "Things do stick in your mind and I remember the last few games of that season when people were having to stand in the spaces between the stands as they were all packed. You couldn't get a seats - they were fantastic times. Let's hope there are more to come.

"The following season we struggled and lost our jobs and when you are down near the bottom that happens more often than not.

"But what was never documented was that we had 10 players injured before Christmas and it was really hard to recruit people in. Everyone worked so hard, but that many injuries was just too much."

He added: "It is a new baby here now with new owners and a new manager which is brilliant.

"Keith Haslam has gone and the club has been bought by fans, so you know the main thing for them is the interests of the club."

Of his new boss, he added: "Billy was the first gaffer I signed for at Rotherham and I had two years under him.

"He taught me a lot. Then I worked with him again at York.

"I am very pleased to be back here. The manager will do the coaching and take training and I will be the one to take the reserves in midweek but also help with the first team as ell.

"It is a big job here for one person so whatever the manager wants of me I will do.

"They have made a fantastic start in the short space of time Billy has been here. And getting back into the League is what we will all be striving for."