Rotherham United are edging closer to January loan decisions that could reshape their squad, with Matt Hamshaw openly frustrated by the lack of availability among his forward options.
As the transfer window approaches, developments at AESSEAL New York Stadium form part of a wider League One landscape that Lincoln City will be monitoring closely. The Millers don;t head to the Bank until late March, but with a 3-0 win already in the bag, and City winless in the last six meetings, we’ll be eager to see what they do in the window.
Loan duo look set to exit
Millers’ head coach Hamshaw has effectively confirmed that internal discussions have already taken place regarding the futures of loan strikers Martin Sherif and Kion Etete, even if a public verdict has not yet been delivered.
Both players arrived with expectations of bolstering Rotherham’s attacking options, but injuries have defined their campaigns. Sherif, a 19-year-old forward on loan from Everton, has scored twice in 10 appearances but is currently sidelined with his third hamstring injury since joining. Etete, 23, has yet to score following his move from Cardiff City and has been hampered by a succession of groin, knee and quad issues.
Hamshaw made clear that his thinking is already settled, even if supporters are not being let in on the details just yet.
“I have an opinion that I’m not going to share. The club is aware of that. We will see how we get on through the next run of games.
“I have been disappointed with the availability and we need people out on that pitch.”
Sherif has not featured since the 0-0 draw away at Luton Town on November 15 and remains unavailable, while Etete returned from a lengthy absence as a late substitute in last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to Huddersfield Town.
Hamshaw reinforced that any decisions will not be rushed, but also dismissed any suggestion of uncertainty behind the scenes.
“The situation has been considered already. I don’t want people to think I don’t know what I’m doing at this moment. I do know what I’m doing.”
Rotherham have included January return clauses in all of their loan agreements, giving them scope to act decisively. They are hopeful of retaining midfielder Dan Gore and avoiding a recall from Manchester United, while the future of defender Thomas Holmes is less clear following an uneven return from injury.
Recent poor form is troubling (for them, obviously)
After a tough start, Rotherham seemed to be on the up, beating us 3-0 in a game where the scoreline flattered them. Since that win, they’ve taken just three points from a possible 18, losing at home to Blackpool and Huddersfield, as well as being beaten by Plymouth.
Hamshaw will be looking to shuffle his pack to spark an uplift, with them now languishing in 18th, 14 points behind us.
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