Rotherham United v AFC Wimbledon: Why Matt Hamshaw is positive again ahead of crunch time for Millers
ROTHERHAM United may be on their worst-ever losing run at third-tier level, but that has not stopped Matt Hamshaw from being decidedly upbeat ahead of a huge home double-header in the context of the Millers' season - and his own future.
In Hamshaw's case, his renewed optimism is not an act of self-preservation.
Ever the realist, the Millers' boss - while understandably conscious of the need not to generate more negativity after a sequence of results which speak for themselves - has been buoyed by several sights in the build-up to the meeting with AFC Wimbledon.
The return to the fray of Joe Powell and Ar'Jany Martha is one significant factor, as is the much-improved performance in last weekend's narrow defeat at high-flying Stockport County, a game which saw key duo San Nombe and Kian Spence return to the fray.
The Millers, who are set to hand a home debut to Leeds United loanee Harry Gray against the Dons – and have also confirmed the permanent signing of Norwich City defender Emmanuel Adegboyega – showed signs of rediscovering their attacking mojo at Edgeley Park, while Hamshaw has detected an upturn in mood in the camp.
Marvin Kaleta will also be available for the hosts, but they are still without the likes of Denzel Hall, Dan Gore, Josh Benson and Hamish Douglas.
Hamshaw, whose lowly side welcome Northampton Town in another crunch game at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, said: "I feel that the mood in the camp is different. I feel like players returning has made a big impact.
"There's a fresher look to the team, and I think there's a positive change. I know the wins will come. I've felt it this week in training, I felt it towards the back end of last week.
"We've got three big games, two of them at home. We need to bring what we brought in that second half at Stockport, a consistent level of that in these next three games."
With players starting to return from the treatment room, Hamshaw is preparing to allow further players who he views not to be in his long-term plans to leave the club before the deadline - if events so transpire - in his bid to wheel and deal and create space for more recruits.
Loanees Martin Sherif, Kion Etete and Thomas Holmes have all returned to their parent clubs, while the likes of Sean Raggett, Zak Jules, Liam Kelly, Jack Holmes and Jordan Hugill are among those expected to be allowed to leave if interest is firmed up from elsewhere.
Hamshaw said: "If players feel like this isn't the place for them and I also feel like I can't give them game time, I'll be honest and transparent with them.
"If they see something better out there for them, then we'll facilitate it. There are certain players within that who I won't let go and there are certain I'd have a conversation about."
That is likely to be played out in the run-up to February 2. For now, Hamshaw, whose last home win was on November 8, is fully focusing on Wimbledon and beating an old mate.
He continued: "I'm a big fan of Johnnie Jackson (manager). I played with him at England youth level, so he's an old friend. It'll be nice to see him.
"He's done an amazing job there, getting them out of League Two. I think he's built something.
"It's sometimes hard to keep all of your better players, and I think he's lost quite a few of his players from that group.
"We have to be on the front foot and fully engaged. If we do the things that we can do, we shouldn't be scared of anybody."