Millers will look to new manager Scott to breathe life back into play-off hopes

The Millers turned to former Brentford manager Scott to succeed Ronnie Moore after plummeting down the table, going from automatic promotion contenders to sitting four points outside the play-off zone in 10th spot.

But Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart last night insisted Scott’s arrival was not just a short-term gamble, a three-year contract highlighting their faith in the former Sheffield United player to implement a long-term strategy at the Millers, regardless of what happens this season.

“The play-offs are still possible,” said Stewart. “He will do his level best to maximise the potential to get into the play-offs.

“It’s not where we are, it’s where we are going. It’s not just about the last five games.”

Stewart revealed they first interviewed Scott 10 days ago, before agreeing a three-year deal yesterday.

“Andy Scott turned our heads. We had about a two-and-a-half hour meeting with him and he was very impressive, a riveting discussion and very articulate.

“You look at what he achieved with Brentford – promoted and a good cup run in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

“He wanted the Rotherham job. His brother (Grimsby Town manager Rob Scott) even lives in Rotherham. He thinks he can revitalise the club. He can assess the players over the last five games with 10 players out of contract in the summer.

“He left London at 5.30am yesterday, arrived in Rotherham at 9am, talked to Andy Liddell and Paul Warne, signed a contract (yesterday afternoon) and has already delivered a list of his plans, implementing changes.

“I can see he is an action man. His preparation, I have been amazed. It doesn’t bring success, but it goes a long way towards it.”

The Millers have been without a manager since the departure of Moore, Liddell and Warne taking temporary control for the last four matches.

They got off to a superb start, thrashing Lincoln City 6-0, but successive home defeats to Shrewsbury and Morecambe, plus a draw at Cheltenham, saw the Millers crash out of the play-off places.

Scott spent five years as a player at Sheffield United in the Nineties, making 87 appearances and scoring 11 goals.

He also had spells as a player with Brentford, Oxford United and Leyton Orient before a heart problem forced him to hang up his boots.

“I feel privileged to be given the job of managing this progressive and ambitious club. It was a job that I really wanted and to be able to share the ambition of the board is something I aim to work hard to achieve,” said Scott.

“I want to replicate what I achieved in my first full season at Brentford and I will be working tirelessly to accomplish just that.”