Rotherham United v Crewe Alexandra: Hamish Douglas seeing signs of Millers turnaround

Hamish Douglas is talking about his own battle to establish himself in the Rotherham United team, but it could apply to the side itself.

The 2026-27 season was never likely to be one of instant success for the Millers.

The last three years have been miserable, sliding from the Championship to League Two, where they find themselves for Saturday's game at home to Crewe Alexandra.

Everything – or most things, at least – were ripped up.

Steve McClaren joined as head of football and appointed a new coaching staff. Fifteen players were signed, 18 let go, loanees sent back.

As one of the few survivors, centre-back Douglas was hoping to be a bridge between the old and the new, and wearing the captain's armband in pre-season boded well.

But an Achilles injury delayed his first match of the season until Tuesday's Football League Trophy group game at York City and tested his chirpy demeanour.

To have not yet hit double-figure points seven games into the League Two campaign is hardly ripping it up, but one defeat in seven across all competitions and a dressing-room spirit Douglas has not seen in his time at the New York Stadium gives the 21-year-old hope.

"We started off (in pre-season) with eight or nine people so it's about gradually building that team," says Douglas, who started nine League One matches last season.

"There's bonds between us now and the changing room is really good. We want to fight for each other and win.

"The feel of it (the dressing room), I don't think I've had, that to be honest. I've been here training with the first team since I was probably 17.

"It's definitely got a positive energy about the place."

The other way of spinning one defeat in seven is there have only been two wins. But Douglas knows the significance of three points at Northampton Town last weekend.

"We've struggled away for the past few years really so it's nice," says Douglas. "I love celebrating with the fans after an away win.

"A win is a win isn't it? But the feel after an away win is definitely a good one. You've got to enjoy it."

It perhaps becomes even more important when you have a long lay-off with injury.

"I had a bit of an issue in my Achilles, which I had last season, but I've sorted that out now," says Douglas. "I'm probably feeling the best I've ever felt, so I'm ready to get going.

"I've been fit for quite a while but not quite making the squad, which is a testament to the lads we've got in.

"I've been to the gaffer (Alex Bruce) and he said, when you get your chance, take it. That's what I've tried to do. I'll try and take every opportunity I can get, really.

"I've got to show the level I've got, and it's up to the gaffer to pick his team. It's also not about putting too much pressure on that as well.

"For me it's just about getting in that team and keeping my place. I think I've got the quality to do that."

He was fist-pumping in front of the away fans on Tuesday as if the Millers had just won the Football League Trophy, not a penalty shoot-out after a drawn group game.

"It's crazy," he says with a tinge of embarrassment. "What am I doing?

"I got forced into that one, actually, but it's just about enjoying even the little things.

"I think it was Blackpool or Bolton (it was actually Salford in December) the last time I played a full 90 (minutes) so even that for me the other day that was big."

Bruce's take on his side's start to the season is that: "I'll never say we've been great because it's just been okay for me.

"But is there a lot of improvement to be made? Yeah, and I'm pleased with the players, of how they're taking in what we are working towards and where we're getting to. Hopefully there's plenty more to come."

Douglas shares that belief.

"We look like we should be winning," he says. “We are playing well, which has not always been the case, especially last season.

"I think we can definitely build and maybe do something good because there's some good options.

"Now it's just about winning and winning. If we can keep that going for as long as possible, I think we'll have a really good chance.

"There's a good buzz around the place, which I've not really experienced here as much.

"I was here when we were in the Championship and I was training and I felt that. It's nice to be at a training ground which is striving for it and looking at the top end of the table rather than the bottom.

"I think we've got all the qualities to go as far as we can and we can definitely be up there."