There are two types of bottom: the bottom of the table and the absolute bottom.
Players for Rotherham United have experienced both in a desperate 2023–24 campaign.
Their most recent 5-0 Championship loss at Norwich, which came four days after an identical setback at Coventry, marked the lowest point of a season write-off.
The Millers’ campaign will not have a happy ending when relegation and the wooden spoon are confirmed in the near future.
A 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town over the weekend, at least for their benefit, stopped the rot somewhat and prevented a tenth straight league loss.
The last time that occurred was during a similarly turbulent 2016–17 season, when Rotherham virtually held the top spot in the second division from the start and were demoted by a wide margin.
They managed a club-record low of 23 points in a season during that season. One of their goals between now and May 4 will be to make sure they don’t create a new undesirable statistic.
“We’ve been in a moment since I have been here and need to come out of it knowing more about ourselves and representing ourselves a bit better and not come back to this point,” Millers head coach Leam Richardson stated.
After losing 5-0 twice, you’re looking for support. It’s critical that you have the leadership qualities and appropriate vocabulary to persuade them to set aside their emotions and focus on taking the next best step because it’s simple to run for cover, skip work, and make up reasons for why things shouldn’t happen, which is something I won’t tolerate.
“You must be cohesive, united, and supportive of one another when you most need it.
“The players needed my support and I’d like to think I gave them it and I am probably just disappointed they didn’t get a win.”
The Millers will find out soon enough whether they can live without Christ Tiehi (pelvis) and Jordan Hugill (knee) in the season’s last offerings.
Tyler Blackett’s bench debut on Saturday was a plus; he had been sidelined since early October due to a serious hamstring injury.
Richardson went on, “It’s been let down. It is nice to have him returned. He brings harmony.”
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