Matt Hamshaw has praised the stability at Bradford City under Graham Alexander as he looks to carve out his own success with Rotherham United.
The Millers head coach is preparing his side for Thursday’s televised Yorkshire derby at the New York Stadium, with the Bantams riding high at the top of League One.
Admiration for Alexander
Alexander has established a strong culture at Valley Parade since his appointment in 2023. After a challenging start, he guided Bradford to promotion from League Two and has since celebrated his 100th game in charge, the first manager to do so since Phil Parkinson. For Hamshaw, it is an example of what can be achieved when a club remains patient.
“He’s done an extremely good job,” Hamshaw said. “I’ve always thought he’s been a good manager. You have to build a culture and environment and a successful gameplan. (Bradford) players automatically know whichever one comes in or goes out, they know exactly what they’re doing. It does take time. It’s one thing you don’t get in management.”
Hamshaw highlighted how supporters at Valley Parade have remained engaged, noting the “excellent atmosphere” whenever he has visited. He believes that backing has been key in allowing Alexander to create a side capable of challenging at the top end of the division.
Hamshaw’s Own Challenge
By contrast, Rotherham remain in the relegation zone after a tough start. Hamshaw, who stepped up from the coaching staff earlier this year, has won six of his 20 games in charge. Injuries have disrupted progress, with Marvin Kaleta the latest to be sidelined, though forwards Martin Sherif and Kion Etete could soon return to action.
The 42-year-old is attempting to refresh a squad largely assembled under former manager Steve Evans, shifting towards younger players with more potential. It is a transitional phase, and Hamshaw is conscious that results will not come overnight.
He pointed to other examples of managers given time in League One, such as Grant McCann at Doncaster Rovers and Nigel Clough at Mansfield Town, alongside Alexander’s revival at Bradford.
“You could argue they’ve been starved of success and are reaping the rewards for standing with their manager. There’s some real good managers out there, some real good football people, who if they get time, they’re successful.”
Writer’s View
Hamshaw is under pressure as Rotherham continue to battle at the wrong end of the table, but his respect for Alexander’s approach is telling. Patience has been in short supply at the New York Stadium in recent years, yet Bradford’s resurgence shows what can happen when stability is maintained.
For Hamshaw, the challenge will be convincing both board and supporters that his longer-term plan deserves the same opportunity. He might also face some supporter backlash that a former Championship club like Rotherham is now trying to emulate Mansfield, Bradford and Doncaster, all League Two up until a season or two.
