Rotherham United secured Rochdale transfer in interesting circumstances - it was not an isolated incident | OneFootball

Rotherham should be keeping an eye on potential signings in their pre-season clashes

Back in 2021, Rotherham United had just been relegated from the Championship on the last day of the season following defeat against Cardiff City and were looking to reinforce their squad following their soul-sapping season.

Valuable players to the Rotherham crusade were departing in the summer – Matt Crooks left to join Middlesbrough, starting right-back Matt Olosunde left for Preston North End, whilst centre-half Clark Robertson left to join Portsmouth.

In response to this, Paul Warne set his sights on rejuvenating the team with summer targets Shane Ferguson, Hakeem Odoffin and the loan signing of Rarmani Edmonds-Green.

However, there was one player that Warne did not expect to sign before securing his signature in the summer transfer window.

Uncovering a gem in Rochdale

Rotherham were playing Rochdale in a pre-season fixture meant to stretch the legs and work on tactics gained more than what was bargained for.

A certain Ollie Rathbone lined up against the Millers and after the full 90 minutes had been played, both Warne and captain Richard Wood did all they could to secure the services of Rathbone for the season ahead.

His energetic tenacity blended well with the Millers style as he typified a “Rotherham Player”, as was shown when he was handed the armband in the 2023/2024 season before leaving for Wrexham.

This was not the last time that Rotherham have acquired the services of a player based on their pre-season performance and current manager Matt Hamshaw should not rule it out in the coming summer either.

Whilst Steve Evans was at the helm, Rotherham jostled with fitness in the 2024/2025 off-season against Stamford AFC. The Millers came out comfortably on top in this game, but it was not one of the Rotherham players who caught the manager's eye.

Jack Holmes conjured up a goal and terrorised the Rotherham left-hand side with his positive, brave runs down the flank. So much so, that Evans felt bound to offer the young winger a trial against Sheffield United, where he again impressed and was offered a professional contract with the Millers.

In this same game, Evans took it upon himself to inquire around the services of a certain Sydie Peck, who has since gone on to impress in the Championship this season. This was based on his performance against Rotherham and how they expected him to fit within their plans.

Why managers should always be on the lookout in pre-season

Rathbone, Holmes and Peck are all examples of players who, if not for individual displays against Rotherham, would not have been picked up. Rathbone has gone on to have a distinguished career with both Rotherham and Wrexham that followed.

Having been captain for Rotherham and Player of the Season at Wrexham, there was no doubt that Rathbone has gone on to be a top player.

He proved himself to be a real find for the Millers and, in doing so, has earned himself an impressive pedigree in the EFL, earning two promotions and one relegation survival to his recent CV.

As a rule of thumb, managers are usually too preoccupied with investigating their own players' strengths and weaknesses, how the team is best set up, and who is the ideal player for the ideal position.

But, as proven by the finds of various Rotherham targets, there are many gems to be found in the lower leagues of English football, if only the ability to spot them.

Therefore, it is important for teams such as Rotherham, with limited scouting networks, to uncover gems in games played against them.

Holmes and Peck are further signs of this, and Rotherham fans will be hoping there will be more to come.

They should be flexible in their approach and have the ability to stretch the budget for players that they see have the skills to perform within the system the Millers are trying to create.

What does this mean for Rotherham going forward

Rotherham’s retained list, recently released, includes only 11 players still under contract, with many contracted to their final year with the club.

This is a worrying matter for Matt Hamshaw and one that needs to be addressed this summer.

Contract extensions and a huge intake of players are the only solution for Hamshaw, and, with limited resources, this is a tough task.

With this in mind, Hamshaw should use every opportunity to increase his squad, including his pre-season friendly games.

Not only will Rotherham require quality players for their promotion push, but they will also require a bigger squad for players to come in and compete for their place.

Having the ability to call upon a squad when there are injuries, suspensions, or poor form is essential in a promotion push.

Players such as the likes of Jack Holmes are essential to play-off pushes. To be able to perform when called upon by the manager and suit the system in place is a great asset to have within a team of the ilk of Rotherham.

And players such as the like of Ollie Rathbone are essential in the play-off push themselves. Quality players are acquired through scouting and persistence, or sometimes, in the case of Rathbone, it is just sheer luck. And luck is exactly what Rotherham are yearning for now.

As a result, both Millers fans and the coaching staff behind the scenes should keep an extra eye on proceedings in the run-up to an important season for Rotherham.