Smallwood joined the Iron as the then new manager Alan Stubbs didnt see him in his plans after 5 games, but then again he didnt see himself getting the sack just a few weeks later!!
With the Millers having a clause in the deal, the club triggered it today and brought the 26 year old back to the New York Stadium, subject to clearance from the EFL and FA.
With 19 appearances under his belt this season for Scunny, it's hoped that Smallwood will go straight into the team to face Norwich on Saturday.
Speaking to the clubs official website, Paul Warne was happy to have him back and fighting for his place in the Millers line up.
“I wanted him back and all the members of staff wanted him back and it was our call, so we’re delighted to see Richie return, He’s the type of midfielder that we need at this moment in time. He’s hard-working, he’s dogged and he’s got a great attitude. He will be crucial as we continue our battle for survival."
“Richie epitomises everything that I want at this club and he has always worked really hard. He understands what I want as a manager and the standards I expect.”
“I met up with him for a coffee and I needed to ensure that he wanted to come back and fight for his place, I needed someone that was going to come here and fight , and the response I got from him was that he was happy to come back and was up for the challenge.
“The more good players I can have with that kind of attitude the better, so I’m delighted that he’s back. As I knew he would, he’s looked after himself. We’re down on numbers at the moment so he’ll come back in and provide good competition. Hopefully we’ll have Frecks back really soon as well, who is integral to what we are trying to do, so we do have some options now in that area."
“He was an integral part of us staying up last year and he’s willing to come back, roll his sleeves up and help to fight for us to stay in this division.” he added
As for Stubbs, everybody at Millersmad hopes his next crap is a hedgehog.