Rotherham United Season Preview 2021/22: Yo-yo

The Millers were so close to staying up last season but a late goal from Keiffer Moore was enough to sink them back from whence they came. Will the EFL’s yo-yo club be able to continue the trend and bounce straight back up?

Paul Warne’s time at the New York Stadium has generally been a success. Rotherham have been able to win two promotions under the guidance of their former midfielder but keeping the Millers in the Championship has been a tall order.

Last season they were relegated from the second tier for the third time in the last five seasons and the big question now is whether they can rebound straight back again.

The squad remains, on paper, pretty strong but in order for them to fulfil their potential, they will need to stay clear of injury problems.

In terms of transfers, it has been a really slow summer. The club are always cautious in the market and waiting until later in the window drives down prices but it also means some of their first-choice targets will no longer be available.

Tony Stewart is the kind of prudent chairman all EFL clubs could do with. He is pragmatic enough to accept relegation if the price is making sure the Millers remain solvent and sustainable. It takes a strong personality and conviction to not bow to fan pressure and personal temptation when running a club you love.

He has also given Paul Warne his support despite the two relegations which is refreshing. Sometimes familiarity can breed contempt and not all Rotherham fans are happy with their manager but the majority probably are and that’s how it should be.

The Squad

Looking at the team that is still there from last season, you have to say there is a lot to like. Keeping hold of Michael Smith feels important, the big striker scored 10 goals during the 2020/21 campaign in the Championship. They also have Joshua Kayode, back from a good season in Cumbria with Carlisle, while Freddie Ladapo is a classy League One striker who netted nine goals last season.

Getting Kieron Sadlier and Chiedozie Ogbene fit again is a big requirement. Both offer natural width, something this team lacked last year, while they are generally really solid players at this level.

Angus MacDonald and Michael Ihiekwe are good center-backs with the latter being one of the best in the third tier back in 2019/20.

On the right, they have 2020/21’s Player of the Season in Wes Harding. The former Birmingham man played all 46 games for Rotherham in the Championship and he will likely be excellent for them again in 2021/22. The Millers should also have Joe Mattock fit again and 22-year-old Ben Wiles will hopefully be back in his preferred CM role this year after filling in at left-back for much of last season.

Newcomer to watch: Shane Ferguson

Well, apart from a reserve goalkeeper, Ferguson is the only signing at the time of writing but he should be a good fit for the Millers. They needed a player on the left who can offer more width and, importantly, more depth.

The Northern Ireland international has spent the last four years in the Championship with the 30-year-old playing over 200 matches for Millwall during his six seasons at The Den.

Verdict

Rotherham have a strong squad and if they keep all of their key players fit, they should have a good season. Hard to call, but you’d expect the Millers to be one of the sides chasing a play-off berth at the very least. If they can secure top-six then it could keep the yo-yo streak going for at least one more year and you wouldn’t put a top-two finish past them if they have a season without too many injuries.

words James Richards, D3D4 Football