Rotherham United's Jack Holmes and the January transfer window
THE injury suffered by a teammate may give Jack Holmes a new lease of life at AESSEAL New York Stadium after a season on the fringes with Rotherham United.
The wide man, who was plucked from non-league football by the Millers in the summer of 2024, has struggled for League One game time this term under manager Matt Hamshaw.
However, the absence of Denzel Hall until April could lead to an upturn in fortunes for the 24-year-old who plays in the same position on the right flank as the Dutchman.
Holmes had maybe been earmarked for a permanent or loan exit from S60 in the January transfer window, but that possibility has receded for now.
“The injury to Denzel might free a little spot up for Jack, but he has to take that opportunity,” Hamshaw said.
Holmes was given a one-year deal by Rotherham during Steve Evans' managerial reign after impressing against them for Southern League Premier Division Central Stamford in a pre-season friendly.
He made 36 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign, including playing in seven of the eight matches following the March appointment of Hamshaw who exercised the option to extend by the player's contract by 12 months in May
“As soon as I came in the last season, I played Jack more or less every minute of every game,” the boss said. “Unfortunately for him, Denzel's come in in that position this year, and I think Denzel's been one of our most consistent performers.”
With wing-back Hall in the treatment room for a prolonged spell with a hamstring problem, Holmes made his first third-tier start of 2025/26 in the 3-2 loss at Stockport County last Saturday and was substituted at half-time.
He had previously featured in only four other league matches, with the rest of his eight outings coming in cup competitions.
Hamshaw is seeking to add new faces to his injury-hit squad before the February 2 close of the window and it remains to be seen whether Holmes departs in a permanent or loan move this month.
“We are light on numbers,” Hamshaw said. “I probably can't let out as many players as I may well have liked.
“Jack is kind of part of it as we sit here. If he's not at any time, then obviously I'll be the first to tell him.”