Matt Hamshaw's message to supporters on the eve of a big Rotherham United contest at New York Stadium
MANAGER Matt Hamshaw is calling on fans to raise the volume tomorrow, saying they have “a massive, massive part to play” as Rotherham United seek to extend their impressive unbeaten League One run.
The in-form Millers play another team who are doing well, Wycombe Wanderers, and a draw or a win at AESSEAL New York Stadium would see them make it nine successive third-tier matches without defeat.
Hamshaw rallied the crowd during the last home game – a 3-0 triumph over Lincoln City three weeks ago – and would love supporters to be vocal from the kick-off against the Chairboys.
“Against Lincoln, I felt like I should have had some pom-poms on, to be honest,” he said. “I was throwing my arms about at fans probably more than I was at the players.
“I just need them to know how important they are, I need them to know how loud it can get on the touchline when they're in full voice, how intimidating it can be for the opposition.”
After a stuttering start to 2025/26, 12th-placed Rotherham have come good in recent weeks and the boss is hoping that the upturn will galvanise followers as his side face opposition who haven't lost since September 27 and are one spot higher in the table.
New York was quiet earlier in the campaign and Hamshaw said: “I understand it. There have been times this season where the players probably haven't produced as much as I would have liked.
“But, at this minute, you can't complain about what they're giving the fans. I just want the supporters to come out Saturday and for 90 minutes give it everything they've got. They have a massive, massive part to play.”
Injury issues have left the Millers relying on Jordan Hugill as the only available senior striker – and he has been suffering from severe swelling to an ankle – while they are still lacking the services of a number of centre-halves.
Despite that, Hamshaw is confident that, with the team and the crowd united, his men can pull off another good result.
“We've lost only one game at home (0-1, Stockport County) and we had a goal ruled out that probably shouldn't have been,” he said.
“I'm saying to the fans: ‘Please be loud.’ It gets more out of the players.”