Where it went wrong - Warts and all. My ranting and musings.

[Citizen Erased]

I used to post back on this board many years ago but have subsequently dropped away from this site due to many reasons, not alone the poor running of the site itself. Being the only miller in the family and my immediate group of friends however there has been nowhere to discuss this topic and of course the local football heaven is just too short, too "balance critical" and frequented by too many idiots from all sides to justify spending any time or effort on. I have long lurked here though and there has recently been some good debate, so I thought id re-register and join the post-mortem.

Here then are my musings that sum up, for me, where it went wrong and how badly things probably are or arent looking behind closed doors.



1) Poor budgeting and financial execution.

In the immediate aftermath of our play off thriller, (Still on the pitch) Steve Evans stated that he believed the budget would have to go up and the conversation with TS had been had. This clearly was not the case and, whichever way its buttered, is the main stand out reason for the clubs current state.

That is NOT to say that this budget isnt TS funding the club, or backing the club. Far from it, we are still running at an operational loss which TS, I believe, has covered. Still his ability to to do this at Championship level isn't as effective as in L1 or L2 and the clubs commercial prospects have not grown off the field. The empty retail units, poor organisation on a match day and the club shop isn't exactly a money spinner. When TS arrived at the club he made much talk of bringing in new revenue streams to solidify the financial base of the club in a path towards sustainability. Clearly that has not happened. Couple this with terrible transfers, fee's paid on sick players, hiring then sacking within days etc. has all taken a bite out of the money we did have.

TS has spent the money, in his mind, to keep us up. What he gave probably could have done the trick back in 2012, but not now. I cant blame him for not wanting to stick more in, but he has been a big part of the issue.


2) Poor transfer management.

The immediate breakup of that 2014 winning squad by Evans was in order to ensure his authority. He said as much in an interview with Radio Sheffield whilst speaking about his future at the club. It was during an interview, if I recall correctly that he said he had spoken with Neil Warnock about signings and the "Cant have too many strikers" line that still sticks in my teeth today. This was, as time would tell, a huge mistake. And yes as much as Neil helped us stay up, I wouldnt take signing advice from the man who thought that Dani Cadamarteri, Ade Akinbiyi and Luke Beckett were going to be major players in the Championship.

(Believe this or believe it not) I spoke directly with one of the players (named later on) who I came to know a little bit as we he was living in the same development as me in Sheffield. He told me that they could not believe that hours before the parade through town several of them were told that subsequent contract offers would have to wait until the new season had begun and that several players, popular lads, would be leaving. Effin joke was his words. Looking back, this is probably why some players didnt seem all that happy to be there at the parade.

The squad that had showed so much heart, resilience and ability to drag themselves back into contention from bad positions all season was broken up too soon. A squad that had the exact qualities a club needs when you cant buy the best players in the league and you're up against it for results. I believe the breakup of the 2014 squad was the biggest mistake the club has made since entertaining Millers05.

Add into that recruiting (again) over the initial summer window post Wembley a poor squad with the exception of Broadfoot and Smallwood coming on permanently, possibly Derbyshire too. With the exception of Lee Camp and possibly both Wards, everyone signed beyond that initial pre-season has been a step backwards. This has over time weakened the squad to its present state with Alan Stubbs' signings being horrendous. We will NEVER know if the signings he made were the ones he wanted or what he could just about afford but eitherway it went wrong and he has to take some of the blame.

Part of the problem has been a poor scouting network and poorly executed targeting of players compounded even more so by the lack of a head of recruitment. Still, even when we had Gee Evans, who was the last player we found that didnt have a stand out CV of being a player where we knew what we were getting? Exactly! It hasn't happened since probably Agard or Reuben Reid - everyone else has come with the reputation in advance. Indeed I cant think of anyone other than Pringle or Arnason that's still at this level.


3) Inability to keep better players the club have developed.

To me the signs of a long struggle were there before we'd kicked a ball in the Championship.... selling Agard was the first. His sale was a shock and I think many of us at this point were perhaps starting to see the future. He was never replaced. In Fact, we were willing to pay more for the likes of Stevie May and co then Agard was actually sold for, a proven goalscorer at a lower level. Exactly the sort of player a championship side on a budget would go for.

You can then look at Ben Pringle who was messed around with his contract, the inability to sign James Tavernier and the subsequent sale of Arnasson - who would run rings round any defender we have now (albeit it at a slow pace ;-) ). All of those players wanted to stay, deserved to be paid a Championship wage and were at a higher level than players we have now. The only time I liked Redfearn is when he said this, about a week before getting the sack. Makes you think eh?

If the club couldn't keep our own players who didn't need a transfer fee then something is up. Its worth remembering this more than anything else we've done when discussing the recruitment policy has dragged us down in my eyes. Infact, id say its evidence of a lack of willingness from the board to give these guys there dew. "This team is not weaker than the team we had last season". Evans was forced into saying that more than once in both of his seasons in the Championship, in reality we did go backwards year on year. This was down to poor retention more than poor recruitment.

I actually believe this is the reason Evans left, following a heated discussion.


4) Lack of cohesion and consistency at the higher echelons of power

Its clear from the staff changes under Redfearn for example how badly run the club is on a contractual basis. Offering a position of a first team coach picked by a guy you instantly sack is hilarious and shows utter detachment between people making key decisions. I'm not sure how given everyone on the board is pretty much an employee of ASD and they've worked together for years. You don't need football knowledge to get this right. This has happened on more than one occasion and most recently with a head of recruitment.

Things have been worse though on actual footballing contracts. Ive already discussed the players we've had and been forced to let go, but beyond this there has been another series of errors. Signings such as Blackstock (3 years for someone who should be retiring by the looks of it), fielding of ineligible players which could have relegated us, inability to sign plays such as May, Tavernier, Bradshaw, Armstrong and others indicate the money is lacking or the art of negotiating is being done poorly. I suspect its both - "look at our new stadium" wont work in the Championship like it did in League Two.

When you couple this with appointments contradicting the publically given brief, appointing managers who dont fit ambition statements to the fans, make remarks about Harrods when clearly we are on a lidl (see what I did there) and do not follow up on promised projects then you look, rightly, ineffective.

This links into the commercial side of the club too and points raised in my initial statement on the budget. There has been money squandered through this, too much of it too and that's before going onto the managerial merry-go-round.

The club has not made progress on the training facilities or the ground since it opened. Retail has not been expanded. (It doesn't take a brain surgeon to work out a pub near the away end with a sensible drinks policy and selection of local ale would do well on a match day, possibly food during the week). An onsite gym with discounts for season ticket holders, anything really. Even something, if not making money but not losing droves would lift the impression of the club and might drive further investment from outside the current revenue streams.

[Citizen Erased]

5) TS' Judgment

I, like many, still believe Ronnie was sacked too soon. That is not to say he woulc have had the same success as Evans did. Andy Scott proved that and even Evans struggled in his first games at the club. I also believe he showed a huge error in judgement letting Robins go so easily.

For me, Evans was given free reign and this worked at a cost, but was not sustainable. Its easy to say after the memory of those successful years fades a tad but was the club really ready to go for the Championship? Im not so sure, but that easy to say now isnt it?

Either Way, his judgment on managers is the second major contribution to our current success and our downfall. Redfearn was touted as a manager for us by many and the choice was welcomed, but did he have it in him or have the experience? No. He should not have been entertained.

The same goes for Alan Stubbs, a manager who had widely failed to get a team with a top 5 SPL budget out of the lower leagues. Yes, a cup final was won, but is it any more impressive than winning the JPT? I don't think that it is, not with only two or three teams worth beating in the competition.

We can then look at Jackett. Again he was the easy stand out candidate much like when we appointed Ronnie Moore the second time around. I actually think Jackett had talked with Stewart before the move to axe Stubbs. But, something clearly didnt add up from the off. A manager does not resign that quickly unless he feels he has lost the support of the board (so he'd wait to be sacked unless pride comes first), or if he feels that hes been lied to. I believe Jackett may well have needed a job, took said job and then realised what was wrong and that the tools on offer were not man enough for the job. Jackett walking out is a terrible, terrible thing for a manager to do and shows a lack of class and perhaps even skill. Still, TS put him in the job. Ultimately, if you keep appointing failures something has to give.


6) Coffers


Linking back to points made above, I'm starting worry that our bank is going to dry up. TS has spent money but has he seen a proper return? Will Richard Stewart want to keep the club should TS decide to step down or perhaps no longer be with us?

The rumours about us not paying for flood defences, coupled with the lack of building a training facility, lack of development at the stadium, lack of signings that are at a championship quality (having been measured up this season) and wage costs being sub-par for this level... and all the rest.... do make me wonder how badly the club is taking the hit at this level of the game. Not bad financial support from the Chairman, just bad scenario.

It all makes me wonder how long our owner will stick it out, especially if fans turn during this relegation season.

Yes, its that. We are going down, barring a miracle and we are fresh out of those.


7) Fan Negativity

Its happened hasnt it? Back in League Two, One and even the first season in the Championship the atmosphere at the New York was immense and our record at the new place has been fantastic. Two promotions and two successful relegation scraps.

But the sad fact is that all of the above has driven a wedge between the fans on many fronts, and we don't have the ability to "suck a ball into the back of the net" like I could feel a few short years ago. Im sure everyone remembers the faith we had in the team when we went behind in League One and how everyone seemed to have this never die attitude. I haven't seen it since the 3-3 Derby game and only then was it for 12 minutes or so.

We expect to lose, the players expect to lose, the opposition love it.

[millmoormagic]

Great post and i don't think many could argue with most of the points you have made.

[Citizen Erased]

0) In the immediate short term we should NOT Rush a new manager

There will be people available or become available that will be the right man (see below point). I believe we need to focus on the elements of this seasons squad that we can keep and be effective in League One. Make no mistake, we have been saved in previous years by teams collapsing. This is our year for it. I believe all players on loan should be recalled and all players here on loan sent back unless we have no cover.

Its evident that most of the current first team should be released. Heres who stays for me; Camp, Price, Wood (Good for a lower league), Broadfoot, Newell, Taylor, Frecklington, Smallwood, Yates, Clarke-Harris - someone get in this lads head and tell him to just run at them. Ill never forget the Leeds goal when he looked destined for bigger things.

Everyone else can be released or paid up. If Blackstock ever gets fit then assess if hes worth it next year - he could be a real asset at League One if he finds his feet. Possibly Mattock on a reduced wage and larger appearance bonus. Lad has talent, just no legs to go with it.

If we cant find the right man now, lets get a short term man in. Heck, even Ronnie at this point and I dont think that its all about "passion" lets not forget, Ronnie got us in this same position back in 2004/2005, though with less of a backing than our current manager it must be said. Still "passion" alone didnt save us then, it wont now.

1) Recruit a manager with proven records of managing clubs in League One & Two

A man who can motivate and coach effectively working with smaller resources but getting success, not just taking over a team and squad built by someone else (Atkins) and hoping to get promoted. Id go with Russell Slade to be honest and id get him in soon We should have appointed Wilder, years ago. Paul Cook would be another excellent choice - he would have got Chesterfield up had it not been for them selling every asset at the club. He knew what was happening and thats why he left. Failing that, id actually take a look at Nigel Clough (who got a lot of undue stick) or go and poach Fergusson from Doncaster.

It doesn't have to be someone to raleigh the fans, the fans will do that on their own.

The club has recent success and good reputation for those who get it right. We will attract some good candidates.


2) Hire a new commercial manager / aim for new revenue through innovation.

Its clear the clubs commercial profile is not being pushed hard enough when our main sponsor is Hodge Clemco, who are tiny and should not have the funds to sponsor as they do a Championship club. But they do. AES would be a good bet to tie in with the stadium and to be fair, the owner is a miller. Infact, hes probably our next chairman due to the growth they were seeing recently. Either Way, progress has stalled and I do think some new blood would help.

Progress must be made on retail or something else in that space, running a car boot sale doesn't cut it at this level. A gym, a pub, more retail spaces, restaurants, a hotel - whatever it is lets get on with something and see if it flies. Start with low risk and move from there - no one wants to be in a no mans land which the ground is as its not on a footfall area of the town centre.

Its easy to say all of the above I know, but still something has to change and change quickly otherwise we will become a mini Darlington, reliant on one man.


3) Commission the training ground

The land at Brinsworth - Tinsley has been owned for years, get it developed with a training ground on most of it and get some planning permission for houses on the rest of it, wouldn't be hard given the area. Id rather us spend £3-4 million on this than on signings to be honest.

Failing this, get planning permission for the hole lot of it and sell it to a developer to raise funds. Roundwood was only ever a temporary fix and yet its been allowed to stay on as our training facility. Facilities DO matter when attracting players at this level with several options. Yes the ground is as a good as any in this league (and better than most) from a newness and quality point of view, but its not enough.

TS wanted to establish the club as a championship club. A decade or two in that league is how you do it from a standing and reputation stand point (see Ipswich) but the facilities must be at that level too. Essentially, the groundworks and processes must match the level too, not just the league position.


4) Forget youth & youth loans

I've heard enough about developing youth. Where are Crewe exactly? The club has four big, big problems locally that will sap up local talent due to better identification and better facilities to persuade players to go there. Not to mention large fan bases in some cases. Academies with proven records of developing top players. Yes, Im talking Leeds, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and especially Barnsley nowadays.

You cant "give youth a chance" when that youth isnt your own. You carry all the risk and non of the reward. Developing some Premiership clubs 18-19 year olds can work, if you get a guy who is top marks within their academy, but usually as we all know and can see this season, its someone with the flashes of ability but perhaps a misplaced attitude with a lack of responsibility. A good time served manager with many, many connections would help here. Sure, youth loans can work to give a little boost and some fast pace in the good times when your pushing hard, when you are up against it you need men. We all liked Vukic in League One, but I wouldn't have wanted him for a relegation scrap.


5) Focus on a seasoned pro in every other position

Sounds odd, but id go for a 28-32 year old player in every other position, two or three at the back, one in the goal, two in midfield at a least one up front on the field at any one time. This is purely a tactical thing but the more experienced players will help the team hold its shape, especially under pressure.

I really liked KJ's idea of a leadership squad within the squad, key players who know the club and are well versed in the game. These lads can lead by example, if not by wearing an armband and organising on the field. All our best teams have done this when you look into it.


6) A degree of honesty and realism

TS has been brilliant for the club, hes talked the talked and for much of his time he has walked the walk. Now though, it isnt as simple as it was. We cant do, without very good planning and a bit more budget, what we have done in other leagues. It simply isnt in us at the moment. We therefore need a Chairman who once again does what he says he is going to do, because right now the past 3 years have a wiff of if being just hot air.




So thanks for reading the essay guys, venting over.

[leedsmiller]

Post of the year! It might be essay length but it excellently encapsulates what many of us have taken months to say 'incrementally'. The club is stagnant or regressing in every aspect, Wembley should have heralded an exciting new chapter in our history, instead we've staggered on from day to day, doing the same things, making the same mistakes, showing no foresight, no ambition, no new ideas, no proactivity... and now we're reaping the inevitable consequences.

To build NYS was an incredible undertaking but it stands in splendid isolation as the same level of achievement hasn't been matched, or even attempted, anywhere else at the football club. Perhaps, this reflects the fact that the ultimate objective is redevelopment of the whole Guest&Chrimes site with the club being of secondary or incidental importance... We could and should have invested, say, £3m in the squad in 2014/15 which might appear an inordinate amount by Rotherham United standards but through short-sightedness, short-termism and rank bad recruitment we're now looking at losing upwards of twice that amount in plunging revenues. The same scenario can be utilised elsewhere behind the scenes, penny-pinching and age-old methodology allied to a criminal lack of forward planning will never equate to progression.

We need to open our doors, to new people, to new thinking - but we're a closed shop. Is there any heated debate at Board meetings, any arguments, any disagreements... or is everything nodded through and automatically rubber-stamped? As long as we maintain this cosy, isolationist approach the slide will continue. Right now League 2 looks a much safer bet than a swift return to the Championship. We can avert that - but we need the will to change.

[Citizen Erased]

Post of the year! It might be essay length but it excellently encapsulates what many of us have taken months to say 'incrementally'. The club is stagnant or regressing in every aspect, Wembley should have heralded an exciting new chapter in our history, instead we've staggered on from day to day, doing the same things, making the same mistakes, showing no foresight, no ambition, no new ideas, no proactivity... and now we're reaping the inevitable consequences.

To build NYS was an incredible undertaking but it stands in splendid isolation as the same level of achievement hasn't been matched, or even attempted, anywhere else at the football club. Perhaps, this reflects the fact that the ultimate objective is redevelopment of the whole Guest&Chrimes site with the club being of secondary or incidental importance... We could and should have invested, say, £3m in the squad in 2014/15 which might appear an inordinate amount by Rotherham United standards but through short-sightedness, short-termism and rank bad recruitment we're now looking at losing upwards of twice that amount in plunging revenues. The same scenario can be utilised elsewhere behind the scenes, penny-pinching and age-old methodology allied to a criminal lack of forward planning will never equate to progression.

We need to open our doors, to new people, to new thinking - but we're a closed shop. Is there any heated debate at Board meetings, any arguments, any disagreements... or is everything nodded through and automatically rubber-stamped? As long as we maintain this cosy, isolationist approach the slide will continue. Right now League 2 looks a much safer bet than a swift return to the Championship. We can avert that - but we need the will to change.

Thanks for the kind words,

Yes you are spot on in what you say. I suspect much of the technical board is a discussion about 1 path and little else, convincing themselves that its a good way. This may have worked in the past, it does not now. Remember the flip from "incremental progress" to "youth". That happened over night.

The stadium is indeed in isolation and in reality is still a Stewart asset and not one owned by the club as I understand it.

As I think we agree, there needs to new blood and not just for the playing staff.

[monty_rhodes]

I agree with leeds and mmm that this is a very good, balanced and informed post. I wholly support leeds' view and argued it several times over the years: an investment of £3-4m may have saved us £5m per year in lost revenue. Shockingly short-sighted approach by the club and a major reason for my loss of faith in TS. Would never adopt such an approach in his business I'm certain.

[Citizen Erased]

False economy always bites you in the backside.

I do think TS has spent money, justifiably backing a manager in his mind. Its probably beyond what the club can afford.

Does not mean its enough, especially given his stated ambitions both recently and in the past.

Its this disconnect thats causing fans to jump on managers and the chairman right now.

[Pocket rocket]

That's correct.

I still don't think TS is just going to let us go back to league 2.

This year is simple. Relegated it's too late.

I still think he will want to put it right long term though.

UTM

[one_a_day]

Rotherham council will not allow anything at the ground that takes trade away from the town centre. This is the reason why there isn't a gym or a bar at the NYS.