Rotherham United narrow down the names in manager hunt

Several meetings have taken place today between club officials and head of recruitment Rob Scott will devote tomorrow and Sunday to finalising the last few names in the frame.

"The process is in place," Scott said. "We've had a long list. That's been narrowed down. We're still receiving CVs and agents are on to me constantly. We're getting there. 

"Over the weekend I'm doing due diligence on people, finding out certain information on the personality side of things. The stats and the data are easy to find.

"Come Monday, we will have a very, very short list which will be considered by the relevant people including the chairman."

The eighth-placed Millers, who return to Championship action after the international break a week tomorrow at home to Wigan Athletic, expect to begin interviews on Tuesday.

Potential candidates whose credentials hold up to scrutiny include Dean Holden, Paul Hurst and Mark Bonner.

Forty-three-year-old Holden, who had a short spell with Rotherham during his playing career, has extensive experience as a coach, assistant manager and manager in the second tier with Bristol City and Stoke City.

He left his role at the bet365 Stadium, where he had been number two to Michael O'Neill, only recently when the Potters turned to Alex Neil as their new boss and boasts a win record of around 40 per cent when he has been in charge of clubs.

Former long-serving Millers player Hurst, 47, did well at League One Shrewsbury Town and has re-invigorated himself by leading Grimsby Town back to the Football League after disappointing times at Ipswich Town and Scunthorpe United.

Bonner, 36, has impressed with the job he is doing at Cambridge United, leading them into the third tier and keeping them there.

Warne, who departed with his coaching team on Thursday for Derby County after six years that brought three League One promotions and a Papa Johns Trophy triumph, leaves big shoes to fill.

"We are not going to go out and get a manager or head coach who is going to try to change the philosophy of this club," Scott said. "That would be against what we want to achieve going forward. 

"Obviously, it will be a different voice and face in front of the players, but it's vitally important we get a person with the attributes to try to carry on as seamlessly as possible.  

"There is no shortage of talent in the dressing room. It what the players have achieved that has ultimately led to the coaching staff leaving. Whoever comes in has got a great footing to start from."