Richard Wood and Lee Peltier take the reins at Rotherham United during new-boss hunt

CAPTAIN Richard Wood is stepping up along with senior professional Lee Peltier to take charge on a temporary basis while Rotherham United complete their search for a new manager.

Head of recruitment Rob Scott revealed this afternoon that the duo will lead training when the players return from a four-day break on Monday.

"I think their experience and knowledge of the game is essential," he said. "Both have the respect of the dressing room.

"They've got the likes of me and John Breckin (former player and assistant boss and now honorary life-president) to lean on as well. Everybody's pulling together here.

"We didn't want to bring in an external coach to do the job on an interim basis. Woody and Pelts  give continuity and familiarity, which is important."

Thirty-seven-year-old Wood, in his ninth season at AESSEAL New York Stadium, is the club's longest-serving player while summer signing Peltier, aged 35, has enjoyed a stellar career in the Championship.

Scott turned to the pair yesterday when Warne left the second-tier Millers to join the League One Rams on a four-year deal, taking assistant boss Richie Barker, coach Matt Hamshaw and goalkeeping coach Andy Warrington with him.

"I asked them yesterday if they would be interested in helping out and they had no hesitation whatsoever in accepting," he said.

"It's never easy when a manager who has been here such a long time leaves. It's compounded by all of the coaching staff going. It's a difficult situation to be in.

"The fact it's happened during the international break with nine days to the next game makes it a little bit easier. We're positive and we're moving forward with things."

Rotherham’s next match is a week tomorrow at home to Wigan Athletic.