Rotherham United, Matt Hamshaw decision involving Richard Wood is laced with risk - Friday development could change that | OneFootball

Richard Wood's appointment of first team coach brings with it an element of risk but also purpose

New Rotherham manager Matt Hamshaw has been assembling his coaching staff since the close of the season, and his first appointment was that of a certain Richard Wood – former captain of the Millers, who announced his retirement at the end of the season.

Wood played nine years at the New York Stadium and amassed 256 appearances in this spell, becoming not only a fan favourite but a Millers icon.

His return brought a mixed reception, with many fans positive towards the spirit Wood will bring back as a coach, yet wary of his inexperience. Coupled with Hamshaw’s inexperience as a manager, it may prove too much for the backroom staff.

An inexperienced hire, and one that Millers fans will question whether this position should have been given to someone more appropriate to coach in League One.

The question remains to be seen if this risk will be worthwhile.

Richard Wood being a successful risk is a big question

Wood brings an unprecedented amount of experience from his days in the EFL, but as a player, not as a coach. Yet to finish his UEFA A coaching badges, Wood still has a lot to learn in his role off the pitch.

However, when assessing Wood’s talents, it is difficult to take his badges in isolation – his plethora of talents as a leader is not to be underutilised when considering his uses as a first-team coach.

Wood demanded motivation, hard work and respect when he was captain and leader of Rotherham, and that philosophy would be brought across and reignited whether he be a coach or in the dressing room. Responsibility will be pushed onto the players, and as a result, there will be more and more fight.

Alas, yes, Wood is inexperienced – but every coach must learn from somewhere. Under Hamshaw, Wood would have no finer teacher to learn from. Hamshaw’s abilities are heralded across English football, his coaching ability will surely translate on towards Wood’s leadership.

Other Rotherham coaching options to mitigate this risk

Rotherham have recently acquired the services of Dale Tonge – a former Miller who made over 150 appearances for Rotherham over six seasons. That was before five years in Barnsley’s setup as assistant manager the year they got promoted from League One, before first team coaching roles with Hearts and Peterborough United.

Tonge is a sensible appointment – almost 10 years of service as a first-team coach across both League One and a stint in the Scottish Premiership would bring the experience that is required for this backroom staff.

Not only has Tonge been through promotions, but he is also another former Miller who understands the club through and through, bringing in the DNA and philosophy that Hamshaw has spoken at length about in the press in wanting to bring back.

This appointment has the potential to further limit the risk shown in Wood as a coach and be able to combat the inexperience.

Rotherham have paid a compensation fee to Peterborough to obtain the services of Tonge, proving how vital the man is to the rejuvenation of Rotherham alongside Hamshaw - he was the number one choice, and they obtained them.

This appointment rings true to the DNA and philosophy Hamshaw has devoted to rebuilding at Rotherham and also bringing in a coach of the utmost pedigree from his time at Hearts and Peterborough, whilst also having appropriate experience as a promotion-winning assistant manager from League One.

Pressure on getting it right at Rotherham

With only an assistant manager to bring in for the Millers, the emphasis on getting it right has been exacerbated by the appointment of Wood. This very inexperienced hire will need time to get up to speed.

Consequently, Hamshaw needed to counter this inexperience with a more highbrow appointment in one of Tonge. Doing so has enabled him to retrieve some of the slack that the inexperience of Wood may have created.

Not only due to the complete lack of experience of Wood, but the very limited experience of Hamshaw.

Hamshaw is not himself, beaming with experience as a manager of a football club. Although he has done a fantastic job in his short spell, he has yet to truly get a grip of what it means to be a manager of a football club.

There is no denying that Wood's appointment was a peculiar one. For an inexperienced manager to bring in an even more inexperienced coach was one that took fans aback. Wood's appointment is a huge risk.

There were plenty of other options for Hamshaw to consider, options that would have provided potentially better services than Wood, who in himself is a gamble.

However, the leadership qualities and coaching staff around Wood mean that, albeit a risky appointment, it will be one of purpose for Hamshaw to secure the dressing room and instill a leader in the team.

With first-class coaches surrounding the changing room now in Hamshaw and Tonge, Wood's inexperience may be slightly dulled.

Whether or not it does pay off will only be shown in the coming seasons, but as of right now, Hamshaw has taken a massive risk when appointing the former Miller icon.