Rotherham United target former Walsall boss as next manager

Rotherham United have opened talks with former Walsall boss Mat Sadler about becoming their next manager.

The Millers are preparing for life in League Two after suffering relegation from League One season.

It was their second relegation in three seasons and they are planning for fourth-tier football for the first time in 13 years.

Following the departure of Matt Hamshaw in March, former Birmingham City manager Lee Clark arrived on an interim basis until the end of the season.

However, Clark was unable to keep the club up and he has since moved on to National League side Hartlepool United following the conclusion of his short-term deal.

Rotherham were initially in talks with Ian Burchnall, who had been assistant manager to head of football Steve McClaren during his time with the Jamaica national team.

After discussions came to a premature end, Rotherham have now outlined a new number one target according to the Rotherham Advertiser.

Sadler spent a short period as a player at Rotherham in 2014 and he could now be set for a return to the club.

The 41-year-old will feel as though he has a point to prove following the end of his time at Walsall.

The Saddlers were 12 points clear at the top of League Two at the halfway point of the 2024/25 campaign, before they stuttered and eventually lost in the play-off final to AFC Wimbledon.

Last season was a case of deja vu for Sadler as his team propelled themselves to the top of the league before winning one in eleven matches to slip down the table.

It was a run that signalled the end of Sadler's time in the Midlands and the possibility of joining a potential promotion push with Rotherham could ignite a fire in him.

Matt Gibbs

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