Rotherham United will learn from desperate campaign, says Tony Stewart

The Millers have managed a paltry four wins from 30 Championship games in 2016-17 and look doomed to relegation.

A desperate campaign has seen two managers leave and shortcomings in the club’s recruitment strategy and infrastructure have been fully exposed.

Stewart is the first to admit that lessons must be learned by the club’s hierarchy from a calamitous campaign.

But the ASD Lighting Ltd chief, who has pumped millions into the club after saving it from oblivion in 2008, has reiterated his commitment to the 24th-placed Millers, while empathising with fans’ disquiet following a torrid year.

He said: “The buck stops with me.

“I have no grievance whatsoever with the fans. The fans want what we want.

“They have a frustration that builds up.

“Football is a sport where people show their emotions quickly and easily.

“I am quite forgiving if people maybe forget where we have come from.

“I have no axe to grind with people who give an opinion, no matter how brash it is.

“They are saying it because they want their club to do well. I understand that.

“I don’t get down, I get up. Life is about looking for solutions, and that is what Rotherham United are doing.

“I am still in it. I like it. I do not like walking away from things.

“We are not short of cash and need to use our cash more wisely.”

The Millers’ sorry season reached a nadir when Kenny Jackett left in late November after just five matches and 39 days in charge.

Stewart admits that he still struggles to comprehend the reasons why the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Millwall manager quit.

Stewart added: “His decision was amazing. Never in my life have I had someone come along with the want and desire and then fall short of giving himself a chance to bring his influence to bear on Rotherham United.

“Only Kenny knows why. I thought the man had a wealth of experience and knowledge, but he felt, after five games, that he had got only one point and that was failure.”