Rotherham United are "delighted" after prising Steve Evans and Paul Raynor away from Stevenage.

In what was a hugely shocking move Evans and his assistant have signed contracts to return to the New York Stadium until 2027.

It takes them back to the scene of back-to-back promotions in 2013 and 2014 and the South Yorkshire club claim that the speed in which the talks were concluded "outlines the desire of the club, Steve and Paul to make this move happen".

Previous incumbent Leam Richardson, along with assistant Rob Kelly, were removed from their posts earlier on Wednesday morning after failing to prevent the Millers slipping into League One.

Speaking on United's website, chairman Tony Stewart revealed that conversations held at board level were unanimously in agreement that change was necessary.

He said: "On behalf of everyone at Rotherham United, I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Steve Evans and Paul Raynor back to the football club.

"Leam and Rob’s departure was not something we took lightly, but following extensive conversations at board level, it was unanimously agreed that a change of direction was needed to give us the best possible chance of bouncing back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

"In Steve and Paul, we have two individuals that understand the Rotherham United DNA and know what it takes to build a successful team.

"They have a proven track record of success at a plethora of clubs, including our own."

Evans and Raynor will meet with the squad and staff on Thursday before taking charge of the Rotherham's home game with Birmingham City on Saturday.