Rotherham United identify 'main target' in effort to fill vacant head coach role

Rotherham United are reportedly targeting Walsall boss Mat Sadler in their hunt for a new head coach.

Lee Clark ended the 2025/26 season in charge of the Millers following the dismissal of Matt Hamshaw back in March.

He answered an SOS call and took the reins on a temporary basis, but was unable to save the South Yorkshire club from relegation. It initially appeared as if Clark was set for a longer-term stay,, but he has since moved on to Hartlepool United.

Rotherham installed former England boss Steve McClaren as their director of football and were then linked with former Leeds United and Bradford City academy coach Ian Burchnall.

Mat Sadler was relieved of his duties at Walsall in March. | Leila Coker/Getty Images

placeholder image — Mat Sadler was relieved of his duties at Walsall in March. | Leila Coker/Getty Images

Rotherham United identify ‘main target’ in head coach hunt

Reports have since suggested talks with Burchnall have broken down and according to the Rotherham Advertiser, a new frontrunner is in the frame.

Sadler is said to be that frontrunner having been sacked by Rotherham’s new League Two rivals Walsall in March. He had steered the Saddlers to the League Two summit in December, but then oversaw a dramatic downturn in form that pushed the club into mid-table.

The 41-year-old is no stranger to Rotherham, having had a brief stint at the New York Stadium as a player.

Sadler joined the Millers from Crawley Town in 2014, but made just one appearance and was released at the end of his maiden campaign.

He also represented the likes of Birmingham City and Shrewsbury Town during a playing career that spanned 20 years. Sadler finished playing at Walsall in 2022 before moving into coaching with the club and landing the head coach gig in 2023.