Rotherham United have confirmed Matt Hamshaw as their new permanent manager, handing him a three-year deal following a brief but successful spell as caretaker.
The 43-year-old steps into the full-time role after leading the Millers to three wins from four matches during his interim tenure. His short-term stewardship saw United beat Northampton, Blackpool, and Bolton, a run which revitalised the club’s League One campaign.
Hamshaw, who was previously part of the coaching team under Paul Warne, took charge after the sacking of Steve Evans last month. Despite a 3-1 loss to Stockport last weekend, his impact was enough to convince the board he was the man for the job.
Premier League interest dismissed
According to the club, Hamshaw had attracted interest from a Premier League side for a coaching position, but he has chosen to remain at the New York Stadium, pledging his future to the South Yorkshire outfit.
Rotherham currently sit 13th in the League One table, a significant improvement given their form prior to Hamshaw’s interim spell. One more point, potentially achievable on Good Friday against Mansfield, would mathematically guarantee their third-tier status for next season.
“It was clear to us from a very early stage in his tenure that Matt was the individual that we wanted to take us forward. Not only is Matt an incredibly talented coach, he is also an individual who we feel embodies what the club stands for both on and off the pitch.
“He is the kind of hard-working and heart-on-his-sleeve character that has historically enjoyed great success here and – as we did with Paul Warne when he made the step up from the coaching ranks – we see great potential within him as a leader.”
Hamshaw now becomes the latest internal appointment to make the step up, following in the footsteps of Warne, whose tenure brought notable stability and progress to the club in recent years.
Writer’s view
In promoting Hamshaw, Rotherham have once again opted for continuity and club culture over flashy appointments. His recent run proves he can stabilise the side, and with the threat of relegation receding, he now has the breathing space to build. If he can replicate Warne’s success, the Millers might have quietly made one of their smartest decisions in years.
