Rotherham United finished mid-table in the EFL League One last season, coming 13th with 59 points. Now, with a new season inevitable, The Millers will be looking to improve and push on up the table in the upcoming campaign.
Ahead of their opening fixture against Port Vale on the 2nd of August, I sat down with Lewis Finnie (@LFinnie on X) and Ian Bradley (@IBradders on X) to talk all things Millers in a Rotherham United interview.
Before we start, I would like to thank Lewis and Ian for taking part in this Rotherham United Interview. Their responses were informative and aim to give you an insight into Rotherham United as a club currently.
The Rotherham United Interview
Last Season And The Transfer Window
Q1. United finished 13th last season. But how would you summarise the season?
Lewis’ answer: “13th place wasn’t the finish that most fans were expecting this time last year, so it was a disappointing campaign overall. The return of Steve Evans didn’t work out, though Matt Hamshaw’s arrival late on added some positivity to end the campaign.”
Ian’s answer: “Potential disaster averted, Evans came back to the club hoping his previous successes could be replicated, but it couldn’t have worked out much worse. Spunked our budget on named signings who were just after a decent payday, JCH being one example & players the wrong side of 30 going through the motions. Team spirit zero, the fat controller is throwing players under the bus after every defeat. I would be amazed if Evans & Raynor ever got another EFL job again, as their tactics are at least 15 years out of date. Hoof ball is easily worked out.”
Q2. What was your favourite moment of last season?
Lewis’ answer: “The club ended an almost 2-year winless run away from home. Sam Nombe’s 92nd-minute winner against Cambridge United back in October sealed a 1-0 win.”
Ian’s answer: “A fortnight at the beginning of the year when we beat Bolton 3-1 & Charlton 4-2 on successive Saturdays, we thought it’d started to click, how wrong we were.”
Q3. What would you rate Rotherham’s transfer window out of 10?
Lewis’ answer: “8, we’ve brought in a good level of young players, though a striker and defender to add depth would bump the rating higher.”
Ian’s answer: “Currently 6/10 because we don’t really know how or if the signings will gel. Kian Spence & Josh Benson should improve the midfield options. I can’t comment on the defensive acquisitions as I’ve not seen them yet, so to answer your question truthfully, the jury’s out.”
Q4 Who has been United’s best signing of the summer so far?
Lewis’ answer: “The return of Dan Gore has caught the eye of most fans, if we can keep him fit this season, he could be a contender for our best player.”
Ian’s answer: “Potentially Josh Benson, liked him at Barnsley, good midfielder with a good shot & an eye for goal.”
Q5. What area of the squad needs improving the most and why?
Lewis’ answer: “A backup striker is needed, as Sam Nombe and Jordan Hugill are the only fit options currently. Another centre back would also be good as backup.”
Ian’s answer: “Up front, ATM we have only two fit strikers, the massively underperforming Jordan Hugill & Sam Nombe”
Thoughts On The Club
Q6. What do you think of the club currently?
Lewis’ answer: “There is added positivity this summer following Hamshaw’s return, alongside the levels of younger players who have been added to the squad.”
Q7. Is Matthew Hamshaw the right man for the job?
Lewis’ answer: “Yes, Hamshaw is the right man for the job. He impressed at the back end of last season and has impressed with his signings in the transfer window so far.”
Ian’s answer: “100% YES. Local lad, lifelong fan, he gets us.”
Q8. Are Rotherham prepared for next season?
Lewis’ answer: “Should an extra one or two players be added to the squad for depth, then the squad is ready for the season.”
Ian’s answer: “Who knows?”
Q9. Who is the club’s best player currently?
Lewis’ answer: “I’d say Sam Nombe is currently our best player, he was amongst the best last season and following Hakeem Odoffin and Mallik Wilks’ departures, Nombe is the main man this term.”
Ian’s answer: “Dan Gore, Man Utd loanee CM, that lad is going to be a star.”
Q10. Can you give me your prediction for how Rotherham United will get on next season?
Lewis’ answer: “I think next season will be another midtable finish, though it’ll have a more positive outlook with a younger side and a stronger connection between the club and supporters.”
Ian’s answer: “Survive but not by much,18th“
