Rotherham United manager Matt Hamshaw insists he should be judged once he has a fully fit squad as his team dropped into the relegation zone with a 1-0 defeat against Stockport County yesterday.
The Millers started the new season with a 2-1 home win over Port Vale. However, they have picked up just one victory since and have lost five of their opening eight fixtures.
A solitary Kyle Wooton header saw Stockport leave the AESSEAL New York Stadium with three points yesterday, handing the Yorkshire-based side their first home defeat of the season in the process. With Wycombe Wanderers, Port Vale and Reading all winning, it was a result which saw Rotherham slip into the bottom four.
Hamshaw Remains Defiant Despite Relegation Fears
Hamshaw replaced Steve Evans as manager in March, initially on an interim basis. He was appointed on a permanent basis a fortnight later.
A number of incomings and outgoings during the summer meant it was always going to tough in the early stages of the campaign. However, the 43-year-old has also had to contend with a number of injuries to key stars.
The likes of Tom Holmes, Denzel Hall, Kion Etete and Sam Nombe have all spent time on the sidelines in recent week, leaving Hamshaw’s options limited. As such, the former Derby County coach insists the best times are yet to come. Speaking after yesterday’s loss, he said:
“It always increases the urgency, doesn’t it?
“I’m well aware it always increases the pressures that are on the manager. I don’t want to be down there, but it’s important we keep staying together.
“I keep saying the same things – we’ll be a different team when we’ve got our players back.
“That’s when, rightly or wrongly, I should be judged. People will probably say that they’re judging me now. But that’s our first defeat at home. I’m well aware of our away record.
“It would be really easy for me to come out and say things about why it’s like it is.
“I think it’s there for everybody to see – the reasons why we are where we are. But I can’t change a lot of that.
“All I can change is tomorrow and moving forward, and make sure that we all stay positive, we all understand our roles and we get some of these players back.”
Writer’s View
It’s a common excuse by managers used when they are missing key players, although one that is perhaps valid. Still, football is a results game and should Rotherham continue their alarming form, the pressure could ramp up in the coming weeks. The Millers weren’t expected to challenge for promotion this season but nor were they considered amongst the teams to become embroiled in a relegation battle. Things really do need to pick up, and quickly.
