Rotherham Titans 7 Nottingham 46: Andy Key preparing to take on '˜massive' challenge to rebuild the Titans

If anyone had any doubts about the Himalayan size of the job that new coach Andy Key has undertaken at Rotherham, they were rapidly removed as embarrassing events unfolded at Clifton Lane during the club's last home match of a painful and stressful season.
New Titans head coach Andy KeyNew Titans head coach Andy Key
New Titans head coach Andy Key

Thankfully, from Key’s point of view, he was not present to observe a shocking defeat by seven tries to one. Instead, as promised, Key intends to continue his coaching role at Leicester Lions until the end of their campaign in National Two North.

However, the Titans will soon feel the impact Key promises to make at Rotherham because he is regularly in touch and hopes to be at Clifton Lane on Thursday to begin, in much more detail, his review of players and coaches.

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Rotherham, reasonably competitive in the first half but simultaneously wasting scoring chances, collapsed in the second as Nottingham, also struggling in the league, exploited their opponents’ mediocre defence by quickly adding another five tries to the two before the interval.

Tom Calladine and Rotherham Titans have had a tough season.Tom Calladine and Rotherham Titans have had a tough season.
Tom Calladine and Rotherham Titans have had a tough season.

The players, clearly angry at the sacking of Justin Burnell, let down themselves and the supporters who had the right to expect a fighting performance in the final home game.

Instead, they offered little resistance and suffered their 14th defeat in 19 Championship contests.

So, therefore, the scale of the challenge Key faces is enormous as he tries to revive a club that has escaped relegation twice in the last two seasons.

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“It’s massive and the aim is to put Rotherham back on the Championship map. The challenge excites me and there’s no reason why we can’t compete and be able to finish in mid-table,” said the former Leeds coach who is best known for his roles at Leicester Tigers where he established an impressive reputation as academy manager, backs’ coach and head of player development between 1993 and 2008.

Tom Calladine and Rotherham Titans have had a tough season.Tom Calladine and Rotherham Titans have had a tough season.
Tom Calladine and Rotherham Titans have had a tough season.

“I’m currently reviewing players, some have agreed to stay and I’m dealing now with agents regarding new players. Those players who will be retained will know quickly enough.

“I’m sure we will have 90 per cent of the squad in place by mid-May and I intend to start pre-season training early in June. The plan is to have a squad of 36 players so there’s real competition for places.

“I will bring a different look and view to Rotherham and I hope to finalise plans for next season as quickly as possible. I know it’s been a difficult year and Justin Burnell had a lot of bad luck with injuries, but the focus now is on next season and I’m optimistic that Rotherham can be a valued member of the Championship which has got stronger over the years.”

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A reminder of the club’s recent success – in 2013-14 and 2014-15 they contested the promotion play-offs – was the presence on Saturday of former Rotherham coach Lee Blackett who twice inspired them to top-four finishes.

Now the successful backs’ coach at Wasps, Blackett knows Key and backs his appointment.

“I had Andy as a coach at Leeds for three years. In my opinion, he will be great for Rotherham. Andy is approachable and will be good for the club on and off the field.

“He commits himself to a club and once Andy takes on a challenge like this, he’s someone who will be committed fully to it.

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“He’s moving to Rotherham and that says a lot about his character. He’ll be here every day and, importantly, he has a reputation out there and has friends in big clubs, such as Leicester and Newcastle.

“So, people like Dean Richards, with whom he worked at Leicester and who is now at Newcastle, can help him with players because every Championship side needs players on loan from the Premiership.

“So, all in all, Andy Key is a good addition that has been made by Rotherham’s directors Martin Jenkinson and Nick Cragg.”

The current squad have one more Championship game remaining at leaders London Irish, a week on Saturday.

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The promotion favourites suffered their first defeat at Jersey, so will look to recover at Rotherham’s expense.

Rotherham Titans: Thomas (Barker 51), Foley, Hayes, Owen, Henry (Murphy 61), Ryan (Millar 47), Tresidder, T Williams (Cano 70), Socino (Cole 43), I Williams (Herriott 43), Salmon, Curry, Lawrence, Ludlam, MacDonald (Tyas 53).

Nottingham: Robinson, Thacker, Evans, Hakalo (Worth 58), Stephenson, Eden, Veenendaal (McConnell 62), Morley, Stevens (Harris 64), Stuart (Hooper 41), Holmes (Eames 64), Freeman, Morris, Coghlan (Langley 64), Buckley (Poullett 57).

Referee: J Meredith (RFU).