Three Ways Rotherham United Could Beat The Drop – Opinion

Following Rotherham United’s tight 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Watford on Saturday afternoon, the Millers look like they are all but set for the drop down to League One next season. Leam Richardson’s side will need a miracle to defy the odds of impending relegation.

Rotherham have had a torrid time in the Championship so far this season and could be on the brink of relegation to League One for the fourth time since 2017. With only three wins so far, the South Yorkshire team have relied on their 10 draws to even stand a chance of staying afloat. After sacking ex-manager Matt Taylor in November 2023, there has been little upturn in results since. With 14 games remaining, here are three possible lifelines that the South Yorkshire team could grasp onto before the season is done.

Two imminent relegation six-pointers

With a trip to Portman Road on Tuesday drawing near, Rotherham face an Ipswich Town side fresh off the back of two vital away wins in their bid for promotion: a 2-1 victory at Swansea and a 4-0 decimation at The Den against Millwall. The following two weekends see the Millers travel to Queen’s Park Rangers, before a crucial meeting with Sheffield Wednesday on home turf; both opponents are making a concerted effort to stay in the division. QPR and Wednesday have two wins each from their last five games, whereas Rotherham haven’t picked up a point since their 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough in late-January.

At first glance, the gap between Rotherham and 21st-placed Millwall looks almost impossible to claw back, however, with a game in hand, a result against Ipswich would be a step in the right direction and a real confidence boost heading into the following two key matches. Winning these fixtures against their closest opposition is an absolute must and the bare minimum if a late charge for survival is to be mounted – that is easier said than done though.

The right role for Rinomhota

Andy Rinomhota, who joined the side on loan from fellow Championship outfit Cardiff City, in the January transfer window- could be an essential performer for the Millers’ survival bid. That is if he continues to play in the deep-lying playmaker role like he did against Watford on Saturday. With the only goal coming from an outstanding 58th minute strike from the Hornets’ winger Yaser Asprilla, it was a fairly resilient performance from Rotherham, who mustered up 19 shots and defended well for the most part. Rinomhota won four tackles, made seven recoveries and completed three long balls, as per FotMob, in what was his first start since joining the club.

Leam Richardson experimented with the Zimbabwean international by shifting him to right wing-back when substitutions were made, however he looked much more comfortable and competent in his usual midfield role. Going forward, if the South Yorkshire club want any chance in staying up this season, then capitalising on Rinomhota’s Championship experience and ability in transitional play could allow them to execute the attacking approach that they desperately need to survive.

Fortune favours the bold

In the final run-in, Rotherham manager Leam Richardson has implored his team to stay positive and be brave against their opponents with season-defining matches up ahead. In his post-match interview with club media the Millers’ boss outlined his unchanged intentions for his squad from now until the end of the season.

“First meeting that I said when I came in the building; there’s a situation that we need to be aware of, enhance, evolve and make sure we make a fist of it, otherwise what’s the point.”

When asked about what needs changing from a tactical standpoint in the upcoming fixtures and the booing from some of their fans, Richardson had this to say:

“[We] obviously need a little bit of quality; that final, cutting edge. It’s easy to support your football club when you’re winning. The proper supporters, they support them in the darkest times, support in the tough times and support in the challenging times. We want to keep going, we want to sustain, we want to be the best version of ourselves.”

A monumental, uphill effort no doubt, but if Rotherham United can place more emphasis on attack and be brave enough to continue going forward confidently – like they did against Watford, there’s every chance that they could accumulate enough points in their next few matches to build the foundations for a final battle for Championship football next season.