The former Chester City boss revealed he had accepted the assistant manager's job at Blackburn Rovers alongside newly-appointed Ewood Park club boss, Paul Ince.

Mathias and Ince have forged a successful partnership since their time at Macclesfield, and they steered Milton Keynes Dons to the League Two title and a victory in the Johnstone Paints Trophy Final last season.

Mathias said: "Paul and I have had a good relationship and at times it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

"We enjoyed a certain amount of success while we were at Macclesfield and I think it was a great achievement to help the club stay in the league.

"Milton Keynes Dons presented another challenge for us both and it felt good to help the club win the league and trophy.

"Everybody has ambitions of reaching the top in their sport, whether they're a manager, coach, or a player, and I'm no different.

"Blackburn Rovers is a club stacked with history and tradition. I remember their days of playing in the FA Cup Final as a small kid and I think Mark Hughes did an exceptional job during his time there as a manager.

"No disrespect to anyone in League Two, but I'm really looking forward to going with Blackburn Rovers to the big Premiership league grounds and watching the big clubs playing week in, and week out.

"There will be a fantastic atmosphere and I'll be working with people who are plying their trade at the highest level in English football.

"Milton Keynes Dons have a great stadium, but it's like a Wembley in the lower levels of the Football League."

Mathias, who was caretaker boss at Chester in 2004, made 567 appearances for Tranmere Rovers between 1964 and 1985.

He went on to manage Wigan Athletic, Tranmere Rovers, then Chester, before taking on the assistant manager's position at Macclesfield, and MK Dons.

Mathias added: "It will be a great challenge at Blackburn, but that's no different as far as the players are concerned.

"I think Premiership players have the best life in the world and I'm looking forward to working with them because I feel Blackburn have a great opportunity."

Mathias believes Paul Ince and he can make a success of their roles at Blackburn Rovers, and he added: "Class has always been oozing out of Paul Ince. He's not a manager who shouts. He always earns the respect of the players.

"In small-sided training games he still shows his capability as a player and he has an aura about him.

"I can still remember his will-to-win look as a player, and he still possesses that quality as a manager.

"But Paul and I will never forget our roots and we'll always look for our former clubs' results.

"Whenever I go back to a former club I always go back with a clean face.

"I never lose my contacts and I have the same friends and keep my feet on the ground – there's no heirs and graces as far as Paul Ince and I are concerned."