Rotherham boss Matt Hamshaw responds to fans calling for him to be sacked after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Peterborough on New Year’s Day.
The Millers suffered their sixth consecutive defeat, remaining in the relegation zone, sitting 22nd with 24 points from 24 games played and 3 points from safety.
Meanwhile for Peterborough, they extended their unbeaten run to six games, climbing into the top half through an own goal by Joe Rafferty (61′) from a Declan Frith cross, and a clinical finish by substitute Brandon Khela (73′).
Rotherham also saw an effort from Jordan Hugill come back off the bar, and had efforts saved by Alex Bass, while Peterborough’s Donay O’Brien-Brady struck the post.
In his post-match interview, under-pressure manager Matt Hamshaw gave quite the interview…
Interviewer: Well look, another disappointing day. Fans booed at the end. What’s your take on the performance?
Matt: Rubbish. I’m fed up of saying the same things. I understand it. The fans are on my back. I get it. Something’s got to change.
Interviewer: What could that be in the short term?
Matt: A lot of things.
Interviewer: Well look, fans also, clearly, some of them are thinking that it should be, it might be you that changes. What would you say to them?
Matt: I can’t disagree at this moment in time. We’ve lost six games on the spin. We’ve got a lot of players out. I’ve got my best team, arguably, out. It doesn’t mean anything at this moment in time. We need characters, we need desire, we need spirit and that weren’t there today and it wasn’t there the other night. That’s the message I’m trying to get into the players and look, I understand it. People say, oh, it’s the manager’s fault. There’s deeper rooted issues here, but I understand it.
Interviewer: Without wishing to sort of hark too far back, a couple of press comments ago, you alluded to pressure. Ultimately, there’s only one man that can decide the future of this football club. Do you genuinely feel under pressure or is it just this is a terrible time?
Matt: I feel horrific about it. I can’t stand here and say that. Your job scrutiny is always there and that was a point I made a few weeks back. Every time I’ve played a game, every time I’ve managed a game, every time I’ve coached a game, there’s always pressure on you. Look, I’m feeling pressure. I understand the fans’ frustration, but it doesn’t matter what I say now because the fans don’t want to hear it and I understand that as well. Look, it’s unacceptable at this moment in time. It’s nowhere near the levels that I’ve spoken about. There’s been a massive drop-off. There’s reasons for that. The club need to strengthen. The club need players in. The club need players out.
Interviewer: In terms of that process, have you got the green light to do kind of as much as you possibly can, for want of a better phrase?
Matt: It’s hard for me to say at this moment in time, but we’re trying to get players in. I need players in.
Interviewer: Fans will want to know if anything’s imminent, maybe?
Matt: Not imminent as we stand here now, no.
Interviewer: Before the game, fans saw the team and saw that Gore wasn’t in it. Fears perhaps that he might be going back or indeed an injury. So what’s going on there?
Watch the interview for the rest of what Matt had to say…
Posh boss Luke Williams said: “It is them that are doing the heavy lifting and I am very lucky to stand at the side and watch them.
“We have a group of players who are ready to jump into the game and you have seen that again with players coming in with a great attitude and helping secure the victory.
“A clean sheet and two goals away from home is pretty much as good as it can get.
“I thought the first half was a bit clunky and the opposition stopped us getting into flow and there were one too many unforced errors from us.
“The team was together and stuck in the game and it opened up a bit more in the second half.
“The spaces weren’t there as much in the first half. We seemed to brighter in the second half and we were able to get forward and exploit the gaps.
“It’s an evenly matched game – there isn’t much in it.
“We knew it was going to be a resolute Rotherham and they would fight tooth and nail to be in the game with us but eventually we managed to find enough openings to get the game won.”
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Here’s how Twitter users reacted as the Rotherham boss responds to fans calling for him to be sacked after defeat to Peterborough…
@millersfm2011: You know what. I have done a 360. This man is a Rotherham fan through and through. You. An tell what he signed up for is not what he was promised. He’s pretty much telling us what we know on regards the squad and investment. We can’t keep sacking. Stick with this man.
@GrahamCrompton1: I genuinely can’t get my head around folk wanting him out . He’s as honest as it comes . Doing his best in a ridiculous situation. Yes it’s been shit and he’s saying that as diplomatically as a manager can say it . He’s done all he can with what he’s had to deal with .
@SABarlow1976: It’s very quiet from board compared to SE era n suggests TS distancing himself. Not gunna criticise a guy losing 50k a week but clubs in trouble. Board have to reflect that they hired SE n backed a dinosaur to the now detriment of the club. Will some of them fall on their sword? Loan market gunna be critical for league survival n i hope TS sees bigger financial pic n backs MH, without Nombe we won’t score. Biggest gripe is the back 3 ideology which was not recruited for adequately yet stuck to? We needed an experienced proper cb n they failed n got kids
@CraigyBoyBes: I don’t want this guy in charge of my team. Yes we’ve got injuries (could be argued the training methods he’s in charge of are playing a big part in that), but regardless whatever 11 he puts out should have his stamp on them, and if that’s what we’re seeing we’re doomed #rufc
@bgannrufc: Why does he say everything with a smirk on his face? Please just fuck off.
@thesavageone87: Said it after Blackpool he looks less and less bothered every game he was smirking after these questions #rufc
@JeffriesTom: As a posh fan, always like to listen to see what the opposition manager has to say. That bloke has 100% given up and is basically saying “sack me” without saying it. Not what you want your manager to be doing after a game 🫣 #rufc
@RachH1987: So ive not posted on here for a while so I’d like your honest opinions: Today was a painfully hard watch. Defensive frailty all over the pitch and absolutely zero creativity going forward. It wasn’t just another bad day at the office, losing is now a habit…. Today felt like the same problems exposed again and again! Our coaching team is simply too inexperienced. Being a good defender doesn’t automatically make you a good coach and pur magic man isnt as magic in this role! I genuinely feel for Hamshaw. He cares about this club, you can see that, the man is broken and I desperately wanted it to work. Stubbornness, lack of experience and almost no support from the chairman mean his time will be short lived. That brings me to the chairman. The man who saved us, for that he’ll always have my respect. However, he needs to do the right thing now and sell the club. Let someone else come in and invest properly with fresh ideas and ambition! Today feel frustrated. I feel sad. I feel angry. Mostly, I feel worried about where we’re heading… In my opinion Richard Wood is certainly not the answer as our next manager! Buy cheap, buy twice as often! It’s the same motto with managers and players! As always UTM
— Tom (@RUFCTomW11) January 1, 2026
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