Defender Thomas Holmes could be approaching the end of his loan spell at Rotherham United, after being left out of the matchday squad for the Millers’ heavy festive defeat at Blackpool.
The Luton Town centre-half joined Rotherham on a season-long loan and made a strong impression on his debut in September, but his form has dipped since returning from a knee injury. The 25-year-old has featured seven times following his recovery, with errors in recent League One defeats against Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers proving costly.
Holmes was omitted entirely from the matchday 18 at Bloomfield Road as Rotherham were thrashed 4-0 defeat, extending their losing run to five matches. Asked about the defender’s absence, Millers boss Matt Hamshaw offered little detail on the situation.
“All will be revealed,”
When pushed further, Hamshaw refused to be drawn.
“We’ll see. Look, the fans pay a lot of money. They’ve come to Blackpool today and they supported the lads really well at Bolton on Boxing Day. They feel like the lads haven’t put a shift in for them.”
Rotherham retain the option to terminate Holmes’ loan and return him to his parent club during the January transfer window, despite the original agreement running for the full campaign. While no official confirmation has been issued, the defender’s omission has intensified speculation that a decision has already been made.
Thomas Holmes Career
A product of Reading’s academy, Holmes spent nearly 16 years with the Royals after joining at the age of eight, going on to make over 130 senior appearances. He earned recognition for his consistency and leadership, later serving as vice-captain, and scored his only Reading goal with an acrobatic bicycle kick against Hull City in 2021.
Holmes also gained overseas experience during loan spells in Belgium with KSV Roeselare and Dender EH. Luton signed him in January 2024, before further loan moves followed. He made his Rotherham debut in a 1-0 win over Exeter City but soon suffered a knee injury that disrupted his early momentum.
The defeat leaves the Millers 22nd in the League One table heading into their New Year’s Day home fixture against Peterborough United, with pressure mounting as the transfer window approaches.
The Millers have already suggested two loan players will return to their parent clubs after the troubling start to the new campaign.
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