Harford has been on the staff at four clubs this season

He has signed a two-year contract at Millmoor, and replaces caretaker boss Alan Knill who had been in charge since Ronnie Moore left the club in January.

The Millers' relegation from the Championship was confirmed on Tuesday.

Knill, who becomes first-team coach, will pick the team for Saturday's game with Preston - with his assistant Mark Robins taking over the youth team.

"I can't wait to get started," Harford admitted.

"Rotherham, under the new board, are a club with ambition and drive.

I can't wait to get started New Rotherham boss Mick Harford

"I am looking forward to working with Alan and Mark and building on the work they have started, so that we can bounce back to the Championship."

Chairman Peter Ruchniewicz added: "We are confident we have the management team in place to enable the club to get back to the Championship as quickly as possible.

"Mick is highly motivated and experienced. He impressed all the firectors and comes highly recommended from many knowledgeable observers in the game.

"For Alan, working alongside Mick can only be a benefit to his future career.

"Mark believes he will be a manager in the future - a view we echo - and his appointement as youth team coach will help his career aspirations."

Rotherham will be Harford's fourth club this season - after he began the campaign as assistant boss and director of football at Luton.

He left Kenilworth Road in November to become assistant to Joe Kinnear at Nottingham Forest, and became caretaker boss the following month after Kinnear's resignation.

Harford subsequently moved to Swindon in February as assistant manager under Andy King - but will now be planning to lift Rotherham out of League One next season.