Following Nathan Jones’ decision to reject the role, Rotherham United now have two candidates emerging as the main contenders for their vacant managerial position, as reported by The Yorkshire Post.
Last month, the Millers let go of boss Matt Taylor after 13 months. The now-Bristol Rovers manager was sacked with the club sitting in 22nd in the Championship. Following almost a month without a full-time boss, Rotherham are still in the relegation zone, seven points adrift of safety after an uninspiring 0-0 draw away at Wayne Rooney’s Birmingham on Saturday.
However, there may be some positive news on the horizon for the South Yorkshire outfit. It is being reported that there are now two leading contenders for the role, one who is currently in a job in the EFL. Steve Evans and Leam Richardson are both tipped to be the next manager at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Steve Evans had a very successful period with the Millers between 2012 and 2015, which saw him earn two promotions and secure the club in the second tier. However, last month, he rubbished any reports that linked him with the role. Evans stated that he was not ‘aware of anything’ linking him to a potential return.
Evans did leave the door open to any future talks, however, as he reaffirmed that he continued to ‘have a great affinity with the chairman and his family.’
Leam Richardson, who led Wigan to the League One title in 2022, is also linked with the vacant role. Richardson has not had a role in management since he left the Latics in November 2022, only six months after leading them to silverware.
Rotherham have successive home fixtures coming up in the Championship against fellow managerless club Swansea City on Saturday and West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.
Writer’s View
If the reports are true and Rotherham are now choosing between Richardson and Evans, it is a very difficult decision.
Evans knows the club and has a proven track record of keeping clubs in their respective divisions, and stability of this nature is exactly what the Millers need. However, with Stevenage being the surprise package in League One this season and Evans having a chance at taking them to back-to-back promotions, will he want to leave a job he may view as unfinished?
Richardson does not have the same track record in the championship but has shown his ability in League One. If Richardson were to get the role, the club would have to show loyalty to him no matter their final league position this season.
