ROTHERHAM United's chastened players have been in the equivalent of the dock with angry sections of the club's fanbase for significant periods of a fraught 2025-26 campaign.

While appreciating the level of unhappiness, with the Millers having been embroiled in a grim relegation fight for much of this season, assistant boss Dale Tonge is mindful of the need for those who step out onto the pitch to keep clear heads as they fight for their League One lives.

Rotherham's situation is parlous, but there are other clubs who are also in the same boat and down among the 'dead men' – at least half a dozen. A few will survive come season's end.

Tonge said: “There's also got to be an understanding that the fans have got an opinion and the league position doesn't lie.

Rotherham United assistant manager Dale Tonge.

placeholder image — Rotherham United assistant manager Dale Tonge.

“There's got to be an acceptance and a responsibility from us while also knowing that there's still a big opportunity to change the season within this short space of time.

“The game's come thick and fast. They're very difficult games, but we're fully prepared for it and the boys look really up for it.”

To retain their third-tier status, the Millers must sharpen up in the final third – and fast.

Only the two teams currently below them in Northampton Town and Port Vale have scored fewer goals, with Matt Hamshaw's side having scored a derisory two goals in their last seven matches.

Rotherham United striker Jordan Hugill. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Tonge added: “We've got good players in those (attacking) areas. We've got good players and we've got to provide them with a service. That's ultimately, what we've not been doing – or, if we have been doing it, it's been too sporadic in games."

Jordan Hugill (knee) is on course for an Easter return, while the club are trying to diagnose a mystery injury keeping out Shaun McWilliams.