Steve Evans has opened up about the turbulent start to his second spell as Rotherham United manager, admitting his return to the AESSEAL New York Stadium has fallen far short of expectations.
With the club sitting 19th in League One, just two points clear of the relegation zone, the mood among fans has turned sour, leading to calls for his dismissal.
The Millers have suffered five defeats in their past seven outings, with particularly lacklustre performances against Crawley and Barnsley sparking frustration. Amid the poor form, Evans confirmed he has held candid discussions with chairman Tony Stewart, who continues to back the Scot despite the club’s struggles.
Chairman Stewart’s Continued Support
Evans revealed that Stewart has reassured him about his position, emphasising the importance of improving performances over immediate results. The manager praised Stewart’s integrity and honesty, noting their shared disappointment in the team’s recent displays.
“The chairman has assured me that that backing will continue for a long time to come,” Evans said. “If he was having shadows of doubts, he would be telling me that I’ve got X number of games. He’s never, ever mentioned that. His words were: ‘I don’t need to see us win three or four games out of the next five or six, I need to see the performances in the next four or five games improving.’”
Evans acknowledged the urgency of turning the club’s fortunes around, admitting that consistent poor results cannot continue. However, he remains optimistic, pointing to the quality within the squad and the recent return to full health of his players after an illness disrupted preparations for the Crawley match.
The Millers now face a crucial home clash against Lincoln City next Tuesday, a match Evans sees as an opportunity to restore confidence and build momentum. Despite the challenges, the manager remains determined to deliver the performances Stewart has called for.
Writer’s View
Evans finds himself in a precarious position, navigating fan unrest and on-field struggles. Stewart’s backing is undoubtedly a lifeline, but the manager’s acknowledgment of the need for better performances highlights the pressure to deliver results soon. Rotherham’s upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in shaping their season and determining whether Evans can turn the tide in his favour.
