Rotherham United v Shrewsbury Town: Hat-trick hero happy at Millers despite his dad’s exit

The Millers parted company with manager Moore last week leaving son Ian, who had only joined the club two months earlier, in a potentially difficult situation.

Caretaker-manager Andy Liddell immediately showed his faith in Thomas-Moore and axed leading goalscorer Adam Le Fondre for the next game against Lincoln City.

Thomas-Moore, who had gone eight games without a goal, bagged a stunning hat-trick in a 6-0 victory over the Imps to write a fitting final chapter to the story of a dramatic week.

Tonight, the Millers host promotion rivals Shrewsbury Town knowing that another victory could propel the team back into the race for automatic promotion to League One.

“It was a big decision for Andy to leave ‘Alfie’ out, the leading goalscorer, and bring in the old manager’s son but it worked out,” reflected Thomas-Moore. “I had been a little bit disappointed with my goalscoring form since I got here but I had only played once up front which was against Bradford City.

“My dad always knew that I wanted to play as a striker, the problem was getting me in with ‘Alfie’ scoring so many goals. It was a difficult decision to make but probably an easier decison for Andy to make with me not being his son.”

Liddell has yet to reveal whether Le Fondre, who has scored 21 goals this season, will be recalled for tonight’s game at the Don Valley Stadium.

But Thomas-Moore said: “I am here to help and if ‘Alfie’ comes back on Tuesday night, I will be there to come on as sub, that’s not a problem.

“It was a fairytale start for the two (Liddell and coach Paul Warne) and they couldn’t have wished for a better start. Hopefully, it will carry on now. Promotion is still possible but we need to win another six or seven games. The pressure is on, it is the business end of the season, but hopefully we will keep picking up points.”

Moore, who had been 18 months into his second spell as manager, was apparently ‘delighted’ with the Lincoln result and had even put money on his son to score the first goal.

The Millers start tonight’s fixture in eighth spot but are just a point behind opponents Shrewsbury who are fifth in the table. With only three points seperating six clubs, the battle for promotion in League Two looks to be heading for a thrilling climax.

Last six games: Millers DDLDLW, Shrews LWDLDW

Last time: Millers 1 Shrews 1; February 22, 2010, League Two

Referee: DJ Phillips (West Sussex)