“I'm still fit and I still know a player when I see one." Why Millers legend Ronnie Moore would love another chance in football

ROTHERHAM United legend Ronnie Moore still harbours ambitions of reaching a career mark of 1,000 games as a manager, saying: “I still have plenty to offer.” 

Ronnie has vast knowledge gleaned from nearly 50 years as player and then boss.

As well his back-to-back promotions with Rotherham United around 20 years ago, Moore has worked at Southport, Oldham and Tranmere and in his last job in the Football League he saved Hartlepool from a drop into non-league against the odds.

 

Now 67, he has found even general opportunities in the game hard to come by even though his qualifications are up to date and his ability to spot and develop players hasn't dimmed.

 

Far from being yesterday's man, Ronnie insists he can still do a job in football — given the chance.

“I would like one more chance as a manager because I'm only 50 games short of a thousand,” he said. 

“I had nearly 700 league games as a player and to get 1,000 as a manager would be great. It would take one good season really but I don't think that's going to come now.

“I would certainly like to be involved in football somewhere. Even at 67, they think you're ready for the coffin.

“I'm still fit and I still know a player when I see one. We can all pick a good player when we go and see them perform. It's about finding the one you think you might develop, that's the thing.

“It's about seeing a kid and thinking 'this player here, this number seven or eight or whoever, give him a year's full time training and you could develop him.' They're the ones that you need. You inherit that talent when you're born.”

Ronnie during his playing days at Millmoor.

Moore goes on courses every year to keep his coaching badge and still watches lots of football. 

He's spent most of his career in the lower divisions where money is tight and clubs have to stretch meagre resources to the limit.

With the pandemic having pushed some to the brink, the ability to find, develop and sell-on players at a profit will be more important than ever, making Moore's skills as relevant as ever.

“The gift is being able to spot the potential,” said Ronnie, who forged his success at Rotherham with number two John Breckin.

“Look at Leo Fortune-West when he came in. People said he might be rubbish. We got him for £25,000 and sold him for £250,000.

“Alan Lee was going nowhere at Burnley. He joined us and ended up going for a million.

“Kevin Watson came in on a free and went for £250,000.

“They are all there, it's just getting a break.”