The Millers Reporter
In this top ten list, we count down the best signings Steve Evans made in his time as Rotherham United manager!
Here are some Evans signings who did well in their own right, but did not quite make the top ten:
Craig Morgan joined the Millers on a free transfer after being released by Preston. The centre-back made his debut in Rotherham's heavy 6-2 defeat to Port Vale, but his Millers career would pick up soon after. During his three-years at the club, Morgan was an ever-present in Evans' side. His experience and leadership was vital to Rotherham's success. His performances on the pitch and presence off it was rewarded when he was made captain of the club ahead of the 2013/14 League One season. He went from strength to strength thereafter. He helped to guide the Millers to another promotion into the Championship, before helping them secure their survival in their first year back in the 2nd tier since 2004/05.
There was a lot of mystery surrounding Agard when he originally joined on a trial ahead of the 2012/13 League Two season. He made a huge impression in a friendly against Doncaster Rovers. Soon after Rotherham beat rivals to his signature as Agard signed a permanent deal with the club. The best moment from his first season came as he secured a vital three points at Bradford with his pitch-long run towards a crammed away end full of jubilant Millers fans. It was in his second season Agard came into his own however. Evans put together a talented squad that enjoyed a phenomenal campaign in 2013/14. Agard was a key part of that success, as he ended the season as the club's top scorer with 26 goals in all-competitions.
Matt Derbyshire is one of the most high profile players on this list. He had previously played a lot in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers between 2004 and 2009. He also enjoyed a profitable couple of years in Greece with Olympiacos. His highlight for them came in the Greek Cup Final. Derbyshire scored a brace and got Man of the Match as his side eventually beat AEK Athens on penalties to lift the trophy. Fast forward five years, and Derbyshire found himself at Rotherham United. In his two years with the Millers, he scored 18 goals from 74 appearances. But his impact spread further than just with goals. As Rotherham moved into the Championship, the striker's experience and know how was integral as the club manoeuvred their way to safety in back-to-back seasons. His work rate never faltered and his quality helped the Millers earn a lot of valuable points as he lead the line brilliantly in his time at the New York Stadium.
Out of anyone on this list, Richard Wood made the least impact out of anyone during Steve Evans' time at the club. He soon fell down the pecking order under Evans and was shipped out on loan a couple of times. It looked inevitable that he would leave the club without having a prolonged run in the team to show what he can do. But Wood's time at Rotherham United has gone onto defy all expectations. The centre-back is heading into his seventh season as a Miller and he is now the adored captain of this young team under Paul Warne. Wood's hard-work and persistence cannot be faulted. Whenever he is dropped to the bench, he always seemed to find his way back into the team. Thanks partly to his heroics at Wembley, Wood is loved by the fans and his teammates alike as he continues to perform beyond his age. There is no doubt his experience will prove to be invaluable once again next season as the Millers hope to maintain their place in the Championship.
When Joe Mattock signed for Rotherham in 2015 after being released by local rivals Sheffield Wednesday, few would have thought that he would still be at the club today. But Mattock is now readying himself for his sixth year at Rotherham and he is still as important to the team today as he was when he first signed. You just know what to expect from Mattock. He has been one of the most consistent performers for Rotherham throughout his five years at the club. The left-back very rarely puts a foot wrong and he is a very reliable operator in the backline. There is no doubt the experience he has built up over the years has helped to improve Semi Ajayi and more recently Matt Olosunde and Michael Ihiekwe. Managers have come and gone over the years, but Mattock has remained a regular in the team throughout it all, which is a credit to the type of character and quality of player he is. As we move into the 2020/21 Championship season, Paul Warne will certainly look to Mattock to lead the way for the rest of the team.
At the start of 2015/16, Rotherham were in dire straits. Kelle Roos had come in from Derby on loan as Rotherham's new number one, but he had a shocking few weeks at the club. As quick as he joined, he was sent back to Derby and Rotherham were in search of a new goalkeeper. Perhaps the last great act Evans had as Rotherham manager was bringing Lee Camp in. The former Bournemouth and Notts Forest stopper was a constant in the Millers side in his debut season, making 42 appearances. The Millers had a lot of ups and downs that year and looked set for the drop until Neil Warnock came in to save the day. But if it were not for Camp, there may have been no chance of avoiding the drop at all. During the whole season, Camp was fantastic and at times it felt like he was carrying his team to points all on his own. At the end of the season with Rotherham safe, Camp was deservedly given the club's Player of the Season award.
Players like Smallwood often go under the radar compared to their teammates in attacking positions, who always seem to get the headlines. Despite this, it is usually Smallwood and players of similar ilk who have the greatest influence on the team as a whole. Ever since joining from Middlesbrough, Smallwood really did glue Evans' Rotherham team together. Alongside a certain midfield partner, Smallwood was colossal in the centre of the park week after week. He was always a nuisance and a constant thorn in opponent's side. Smallwood developed into a true fans favourite during his time at the club. Rotherham fans are renowned for favouring players who give it their all and Smallwood fits that billing right down to the ground. You could never fault the midfielder for his effort and the overall impact that he had on the team when he was at Rotherham cannot be overstated.
Kicking off the top three is James Tavernier. The right-back signed for Rotherham originally on an emergency-loan from Newcastle United in November 2013. After impressing from the get-go, this loan was extended until the end of the season. Tavernier made 27 league appearances for the Millers, all of which were starts, scoring five goals. This does not tell the whole story though, as Tavernier immediately made a huge difference. He was not by any means your typical right-back. At times, it felt like he was Rotherham's most dangerous attacking player. He showed great ability from set-pieces and had a few eye-catching goals to his name. Tavernier proved from early on that he was a great talent who deserved to be playing at a much higher level than League One. He has rightly gone down as one of Rotherham's best ever loan signings and his time at the club is remembered very fondly to this day.
Our runner-up is the Icelandic international Kari Arnason. After leaving Aberdeen at the end of 2011/12, he moved south to join Rotherham United in League Two. Not too much was known about Arnason when he joined, but he went onto make over 100 appearances in his three years at Rotherham. He soon formed a brilliant partnership with Craig Morgan at centre-back, and the duo complemented each other brilliantly. But some of Arnason's best performances in a Millers shirt came in midfield. Arnason never seemed to be fazed by anything and he was so cool on the ball. When he was in full flow he was a joy to watch, as his quality always shone through with his performances. Rotherham were really lucky to have a player of his calibre for as long as they did and watching him play was always a treat for supporters. Arnason has gone onto achieve great things both domestically and internationally since leaving Rotherham. Arnason was one of Iceland's star players at Euro 2016, with his best showing coming against Portugal in the group stages. In that game he managed to keep a certain tricky attacker called Cristiano Ronaldo very quiet...
Steve Evans' best signing as Rotherham United boss has to be Lee Frecklington. The midfielder made an impact right away for the Millers. His influence on the team and the club as a whole was clearly growing more after each game. It was clear to see from the start that Frecklington was a top talent who was a brilliant get for Evans and Rotherham. As we mentioned earlier, most of his time at the Millers was spent playing alongside Richie Smallwood. From the off the duo formed a great partnership and they always brought the best out in each other. Frecklington was a true leader and he spearheaded the team during its upward trajectory. He lead by example on and off the field, and he always gave it all for the club. Frecklington enjoyed some fantastic times at Rotherham, which will be some of the fondest of his career. Throughout his time as a Miller, he was the heart and soul of the club and he typified what it meant to be a Rotherham United player. It is only right that he tops this list after all he gave for the Millers. The effort he put in and the memories he gifted the Rotherham faithful will never be forgotten. If Frecklington had not been not there, Rotherham would not have been half as successful as they were during these remarkable few years.
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