4 managers Rotherham United simply must consider appointing to replace Steve Evans ft promotion winner | OneFootball

FLW look at four managers Rotherham United can consider for their managerial vacancy.

Rotherham United confirmed last week that they had parted company with Steve Evans after a dismal 2024-25 season.

A run of seven defeats in 11 games was a real hammer blow for the 62-year-old, but prior to that the Millers were no better than midtable. He joined the club from Stevenage at the back end of 2023-24 and now that looks like a poor decision with Evans creating a real project at the LAMEX Stadium,

Matt Hamshaw has been appointed to take temporary charge of Rotherham until the end of the season,

Following that, the Millers' hierarchy will have a decision to make about who will lead them for 2025-26 and FLW have outlined four potential candidates they must consider.

Paul Warne

The most obvious contender on this list is Paul Warne, a three-time promotion-winning manager with Rotherham United.

Prior to his involvement with Derby County, the 51-year-old secured ascension from League One in 2018, 2020 and 2022 with the Millers. He was also relegated from the Championship on three occasions (2017, 2019 and 2021).

Most recently, he was manager at Pride Park and last season he took the Rams back to the Championship after they finished second behind Portsmouth. However, the second tier was once again a step too far for the former Yeovil Town midfielder, who was sacked in early February after a dreadful string of results.

Now out of work once again, a return to Rotherham would be a sure-fire appointment, with Warne likely to have them competing at the top of the third tier next season if appointed.

Des Buckingham

Next on our list we have another manager who secured promotion from League One last season in Des Buckingham.

The 40-year-old was appointed as Oxford United head coach in November 2023 and led them to play-off glory in the space of just six months as they defeated Bolton Wanderers at Wembley last season.

Unfortunately, despite a strong start in the division above, a poor run of results hindered Buckingham's position, and he departed in mid-December after just one win in his final 15 games.

Now out of work, Rotherham presents an appealing option for Buckingham. His style is a stark contrast to that of Evans, but that may be exactly what Rotherham supporters desire after years of direct, hard-hitting football.

One promotion in one season in League One is an impressive achievement, making this a highly suitable option for the Millers.

Damien Duff

Damien Duff is just emerging in his coaching career, but he has done a great job during his tenure at Shelbourne FC in Ireland.

Initially joining the club in 2021 as manager, he has slowly built a project and that earned him worthy praise last season as they lifted the title for the first time since 2006.

He called it "the pinnacle of his career", but a move to Rotherham would be a step-up for the former Chelsea winger.

His current side is built on defensive solidity, but they are also quick in transitions - an approach that has proven effective for promotion from League One, as seen with Rotherham in the past.

This move would be an ideal fit, and the contacts Duff has established could help the Millers secure some excellent signings in the summer.

Brian Barry-Murphy

Finally, we have Brian Barry-Murphy, who has recently been linked with the Huddersfield Town vacancy.

Although Rotherham would face competition for his signature, the 46-year-old would be an attractive option, having gained valuable experience in youth set-ups following a first-team spell at Rochdale.

While managing a side struggling at the wrong end of League One, Barry-Murphy earned a reputation for trying to "play the right way", with a possession-based style that stood out in difficult circumstances.

Since then, he has taken on key roles at Manchester City as Under-23s manager and is currently a technical coach at Leicester City under Ruud van Nistelrooy.

A move to Rotherham would mark a welcome return to EFL management for Barry-Murphy, who deserves another opportunity to take charge of a first team. He is clearly highly regarded, having been entrusted with developing prospects for Pep Guardiola’s side, but there is a stark difference between coaching elite youngsters and leading a senior squad.

Whether Rotherham will make a move remains to be seen, but if they hesitate, Huddersfield could swoop in and secure his services instead.