Favourite son Wayne Campbell will return to Richmond after being appointed as an assistant coach at the AFL club.

Campbell, who played 297 games for the Tigers and captained the club for four seasons, will be reunited with his former coach Terry Wallace after spending 2007-08 as an assistant coach at the Western Bulldogs.

Wallace said the appointment was a major coup for the Tigers.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Wayne's calibre and he is held in the highest regard at Richmond," he said.

"This appointment has been three years in the making.

"I spoke to Wayne soon after he finished playing (in 2005).

"We both believed it was in his best interests for him to gain further experience at another club with the view to one day returning to Richmond.

"I always found Wayne to be a highly intelligent player. His football knowledge was as good as anything I have ever seen.

"I always thought he had a future in coaching."

Campbell, 36, won four best and fairest awards during his 15-year career, and said he was eager to be return to his old club.

Next season shapes as a massive season at Tigerland, given the club is hopeful of playing in its first finals series since 2001, having finished ninth in 2008.

Wallace's own future is dependant on leading the Tigers into September, as 2009 is the last season of his five-year contract, and he has conceded he will not earn a new contract unless his side reaches the finals.

Campbell's appointment as midfield coach means fellow assistant Brian Royal will look after the forward line and David King defence.

Jade Rawlings will continue as coach of Richmond's VFL affiliate Coburg, while Craig McRae will continue in his role as development coach.

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