Have Rotherham United parted company with loanee Thomas Holmes?
DEFENDER Thomas Holmes could have played his last match for Rotherham United after seeing his loan move to AESSEAL New York Stadium turn sour.
The Luton Town centre-half made a superb debut back in September but has looked a shadow of that player in his seven recent appearances following his recovery from a knee injury.
After costing the Millers goals in League One games against Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers over the festive period, he failed to make the squad for Monday night's defeat at Blackpool.
When asked by the Advertiser after the 4-0 loss why the 25-year-old wasn't in the matchday 18, manager Matt Hamshaw replied: “All will be revealed.”
In response to the follow-up question of 'Are we talking about him not playing for Rotherham again?', the boss responded: “We'll see.”
Holmes was due to spend the season in South Yorkshire but the Millers hold an option to send him back to his parent club at some stage in the January transfer window.
It is likely that the decision to part company has already been made and that an official announcement about the 25-year-old's exit will be made in due course.
Meanwhile, there were strained scenes after the final whistle at Bloomfield Road when Rotherham's squad headed towards the away section to acknowledge the travelling followers.
Fans vented their anger and there were exchanges between them and some players, with captain Joe Powell in the thick of things and seemingly trying to placate the situation.
“Look, the fans pay a lot of money,” Hamshaw said. “They've come to Blackpool today, they supported the lads really well at Bolton (Boxing Day). They feel like the lads haven't put a shift in for them.
“When managers and players walk across to fans to clap them, it's in appreciation of the support that they've given the team. I will never not do that.
“I appreciate that I'm going to get a bit of a stick, I understand that. But I'll still always clap because it means a lot to me that they come to the games.”
A fifth loss on the trot dropped the Millers to 22nd spot heading into the New Year's day home clash with Peterborough United.
“I want the fans to be proud,” Hamshaw said. “I spoke a lot when I got this job about creating good memories and sending people home happy. We have to do more.”