Rotherham can come back from relegation, says ex-Titan Lee Blackett

NEW Wasps head coach Lee Blackett believes the people at Rotherham Rugby Club have the drive to bring winning rugby back to Clifton Lane.

Like so many people, the former Titan has been saddened to see the club suffer two relegations in three seasons from the Championship to National Two.

But the man who twice led the club to the Championship play-offs, the last time just five years ago, believes Rotherham can come back, and swiftly, so long as home-town directors Martin Jenkinson and Nick Cragg and head coach Steve Salvin are in place.

Blackett said: "I look at another of my former clubs, Leeds (Yorkshire Carnegie), and how they've been. It was evident they were getting relegated from the Championship but Rotherham seemed to have turned the corner in National One since Steve Salvin has been there.

"He was with me during my time at Rotherham and he was a good coach. I've seen him a couple of times since and been really impressed with him. 

"I definitely think they can come back as long as they have people like Martin and Nick  there behind the scenes driving it.

"Longer term, the aim to get back to the Championship should always be there."

One of the brightest young coaches in the game, Blackett has landed the top job at Premiership Wasps at the age of just 37 after winning three out of four since stepping up from from backs coach to take temporary charge.

* I owe so much to Rotherham...full interview with Lee Blackett in this week's Advertiser, out on Thursday morning.