Rotherham United is facing a challenging season as the team grapples with disappointing performances in League One following last year's relegation from the Championship. After a hopeful return, the Millers have found themselves in 14th place, struggling to meet expectations as they aim for a promotion push.
The latest setback came on March 18, 2025, when Rotherham succumbed to a 3-2 loss against Wycombe Wanderers. This defeat has left fans pondering what went wrong, especially as the team now shifts focus to the final weeks of the season, reflecting on the issues that have plagued them and seeking solutions for a more fruitful campaign ahead.
Against this backdrop, Rotherham's fan pundit, Tom Eyre, did not hold back when discussing Jonson Clarke-Harris, a player who was anticipated to play a vital role in their push for promotion. Eyre ominously noted, "He's under-performing himself, the goals he set himself, and he's under-performing in the team as a whole." Indeed, Clarke-Harris has struggled significantly this season, netting only seven goals and providing a single assist over 24 appearances. This is in stark contrast to his previous League One performances where he recorded impressive tallies of 31 and 26 goals in past campaigns.
Eyre’s call for improvement reflects the urgency surrounding Clarke-Harris' disappointing performance. The forward, who joined Rotherham United last summer, was expected to reach double figures in goals—an expectation now overshadowed by his current form. "He's really not impacting games, not scoring, not assisting, not really doing much in games, and it’s not like him for a player of his quality that we’ve seen him do so much in his career," Eyre emphasized. With Rotherham's fortunes hanging precariously, fans are calling for Clarke-Harris to rediscover the form that made him a standout player.
In addition to performance woes, injuries have compounded Rotherham's struggles. Steve Evans, the Millers' manager, has confirmed that key players Sean Raggett and Alex MacDonald will be out for the remainder of the season due to injuries. Evans detailed the situation in a recent report, stating, "Alex had a cartilage operation on his hip, which is very unusual. His season is over. Sean’s had a little operation as well. You could force him out there, but no." Both injuries are particularly painful for the Millers, with Raggett being a crucial part of their defensive unit.
Raggett has only made nine appearances in league play this season, contributing one goal from the back. He joined Rotherham in the summer with high expectations but has been severely affected by injury setbacks. Evans lamented the team's situation, saying, "We’ve been smashed by it. Very few players have escaped it. Some weeks it’s been difficult to pick a team we believe can win the game.” This inadequate squad depth, particularly in defence, showcases the difficulties faced by Rotherham United this season.
Meanwhile, MacDonald, a seasoned player at 34 years old, has also struggled with injury issues. He managed only 19 outings, scoring once. His veteran experience was intended to add depth to the squad, but now fans are left to wonder about how Rotherham will navigate the remainder of the season without such key figures.
The next match against Crawley Town on March 22, 2025, offers little time for Rotherham to recover from the debilitating impact of injuries and underperforming players. With aspirations for next season already surfacing, the club will need to reassess its strategies and figure out a sustainable plan for improvement during the summer transfer window.
As the team reflects on this season, there’s a consensus that significant changes are necessary. New signings will undoubtedly play a critical role moving forward, but there's also hope that returning players like Clarke-Harris can exhibit the stellar play they’ve been known for. Rotherham United fans and stakeholders alike are hoping for a turnaround that brings the club back to competitive status next season.
