Rotherham United boss Matt Hamshaw on January incomings and being forced to use players he's ready to let go
MANAGER Matt Hamshaw admitted that no new signings are close as he stressed the need for a busy January transfer window in his bid to reverse the slide that has plunged Rotherham United into the League One drop zone.
The boss wants to see incomings and outgoings as he seeks to shed players he inherited from previous management teams who don't have a future under him at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Adding more firepower to an injury-hit squad is a matter of urgency following a sixth straight defeat today, at the hands of in-form Peterborough United, and the boss has long had specific targets in mind.
“The club need to strengthen, the clubs need players in, the club needs players out,” he said.
However, when asked if he has the green light to do as much business as he wants, he replied: "It's hard for me to say at this moment. We're trying to get players in, and I need players in. Nothing is imminent as I stand here right now.”
As has been the situation all season, Rotherham have a huge injury list and they are set to be without the likes of Sam Nombe, Dan Gore, Kian Spence, Hamish Douglas, Denzel Hall, Reece James and Marvin Kaleta for Sunday's visit of Mansfield Town.
Hamshaw has told some of his men that they can leave this month if they can find new clubs, but he may have to select them until the treatment room becomes less crowded or he can bring in new blood.
“Look, at this minute, we have no players returning, so all I can do is work with the group I've got,” he said. “We're trying to do some things (in the window). I think there are players who are probably looking at different opportunities.
“We're reliant on some of those at this moment and that's difficult. But players should be professional, they should remain professional.”
The Millers had a chance to open the scoring against Posh early in the second half but Jordan Hugill hit the bar when the net was gaping.
The visitors went on to make it five wins and a draw in their last six outings through a Joe Rafferty own goal and a Brandon Khela strike.
“I was frustrated with a lot of things today,” Hamshaw said. “I'm well aware that confidence is low - I can see that in the players. However, sometimes you have to stand up, grow a pair and put on a show.”