There is a risk to everything, says Millers chairman

ROTHERHAM United chairman Tony Stewart has given his backing to Paul Warne as he gears up for his first game as permanent manager.

Wednesday’s appointment of the former player and coach marks a change in direction, with the club preferring to promote from within rather than take a punt on a more experienced figure.

Aware of the criticism from some supporters, Mr Stewart argues there would have been a risk in whatever choice was made and speaking ahead of tomorrow’s match at Wigan Athletic, he wants everyone to get behind the new man.

"Everything has a risk,” Mr Stewart told the Advertiser. "We've had bad experience of so-called professional managers coming to Rotherham and not spending the money wisely. We've signed more than 130 in four years players. Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool have not had that number, it has been mismanaged.

“Here we have a guy who has worked for Rotherham United, he is Rotherham United, he has never been sacked as a manager and he has no bad habits. In fact he has lots of good habits.

 "There is no mistaking what we're getting, a fully dedicated and intelligent individual.”

Since succeeding Kenny Jackett in November, Warne has overseen 23 games as interim boss, losing 19 with a side out of its depth in the Championship and now consigned to relegation back to League One.

Mr Stewart added: "In 23 games Paul has actually undergone the worst beginning to management that you could have but he has learnt a lot.

“He'll get a first class number two and he will get the support from the board and I'm sure the fans will back him and we can get back to winning ways.”

Catch today’s Advertiser for much more from Tony Stewart and Paul Warne, plus readers’ views on the latest developments at the New York Stadium