Fury will follow as Steve Evans and Rotherham United set to repeat Sheffield Wednesday mistake | OneFootball

Rotherham are making the same mistakes with contract extensions of key assets

In the summer of 2022, Rotherham United fans encountered something many still, to this day, call one of the most “treacherous” transfer experiences they have witnessed.

The Millers had were headed for the Championship after winning promotion back up at the first time of asking and had added the EFL Trophy to their cabinet as well.

This jubilation, albeit it ripe, was short-lived as two of Rotherham's key players – top scorer Michael Smith and centre-half stalwart Michael Ihiekwe – were about to break hearts.

The pair had enjoyed successful seasons but both were out of contract and their subsequent moves to Sheffield Wednesday were a dagger to the heart. The concern for the Millers now is that they might not have learned their lesson.

Michael Smith and Michael Ihiekwe left Rotherham United to join Sheffield Wednesday

On the morning of 22nd June, Rotherham fans were expecting news of contract extensions after the board had offered contracts to the pair.

The news that came is something that parts of the fanbase will still be sour about even today.

Smith and Ihiekwe had joined Rotherham’s biggest rivals Sheffield Wednesday on free transfers, even stepping down a division to make the move happen – further infuriating the fanbase due to a supposed “lack of loyalty”.

Smith scored 25 goals in 54 games and Ihiekwe made 52 appearances as the Millers won automatic promotion to the Championship.

Not only were Rotherham losing two players to rivals Wednesday but they were losing two of their best performers. Two players that dictated the way that Rotherham played and inspired others around them to be in their best form. Two players that had looked set to be vital to their survival hopes in the second tier.

Rotherham United making the same mistakes with Hakeem Odoffin and Cameron Humphreys

The blame was not all on the players themselves, of course, as the Millers should have been more proactive in securing their key assets.

The worry now is that they have not learned their lesson and are, again in danger of losing two key players.

Hakeem Odoffin and Cameron Humphreys are both out of contract this summer, with Odoffin already having his optional contract extension clause activated.

The similarities between this case and the one between Smith and Ihiekwe are a serious concern for fans, causing the fury to be directed towards manager Steve Evans, chairman Tony Stewart and financial director Paul Douglas. More fury will be coming if the pair are to depart.

Evans, in particular, has been quoted this season as trying to get new deals tied up as soon as possible. Then the promise was before Christmas but there has been no good news.

It has been a disappointing season for Rotherham but one that will be made even worse if cult hero Odoffin and Humphreys – two key assets – are lost for nothing.

Fan fury could follow summer exits

The focus on the business of football has become more and more evident in recent years. Players are now treated as assets – some depreciate in value whilst some rise like stock.

In recent memory, Rotherham have had various players that have fallen into the latter category, such as Matt Crooks, Dan Barlaser, Chiedozie Ogbene, Viktor Johannson, Ben Wiles, and Peter Kioso.

It could be argued that the Millers got good value for Crooks, Wiles, and Kioso, whereas Barlaser, Ogbene, and Johannson were all players that left for less than what they're worth.

As a result of failing to capitalise on their key assets, Rotherham have found themselves all too often relying on free transfers and loan players.

Humphreys and Odoffin could have earned the club tasty transfer fees, helping them stabilise in the third tier and look to the future, but failing to properly address their contract situations means they're set to leave as free agents.

It feels like lessons haven't been learned. Assets are leaving for nothing and feelings similar to those felt when the news of Smith and Ihiekwe hit are beginning to creep. Fury will soon follow both Evans and Stewart around the club.