Lee Clark has said he is still unsure of whether he will be handed the Rotherham United job after his interim contract expired.
The former Huddersfield Town man was unable to steer the Millers clear of relegation to League Two after taking over from Matt Hamshaw in March, and took charge of his final game yesterday against Wycombe Wanderers.
Indecision Frustrates Clark
The 53-year-old has been transparent about his desire to remain in charge at the New York Stadium heading into next season, already stating his plans for wholesale changes to the playing squad should he be handed the reins.
However, Clark has been left in limbo as to whether Chairman Tony Stewart will afford him the chance of the role permanently and has now left his role as interim.
Speaking to the Rotherham Advertiser as to whether he has been given any hint of an offer by Stewart, who is now away from the club for the next two weeks, the Newcastle native said:
“No, there’s been no indication of that. I saw him on Thursday, before we travelled to Wycombe, and spoke with him about various things. But, no, nothing on that.
“Yeah, yeah, I am (waiting). I think the wife might fancy a little holiday somewhere.
“At this moment, I’m finished as the Rotherham United manager. I’d love to continue. I cannot afford, for myself, to let it drag on and drag on, because I know the seriousness and the size of the rebuild that’s required.
“That’s why I should be going back on the bus now and having communications with people – potential new signings, agents. Then I should be, tomorrow morning, informing the players who will be staying and who won’t and wishing them the best of luck for their careers, whichever way they want to go.
“That cannot happen, because I’m not the manager and it’s not my position to do that.”
Major Failure Revealed
News that Tony Stewart is taking a two-week break from Rotherham United should be ringing major alarm bells as to how the club is currently being operated.
At a time when the club has no permanent manager or director of football amid links to Steve McClaren, the Millers chairman should have all hands on deck to put leadership figures in place and make crucial football decisions.
The club have just been relegated from League One and their interim manager has frequently blasted some players for their effort and attitude towards playing for the club, yet no decisions on futures are likely to come while Stewart is on a break.
Lee Clark has been frank about his openness to take the job and rectify these issues, but now has to go home and wait for a decision to be made, costing them vital weeks in planning and recruiting for an upcoming season where they will face a massive slog to try and get promoted back into League One.
This is a severe dereliction of duty on the part of Tony Stewart and will do him no favours in the eyes of a fanbase that has been on his back for much of the past 12 months and beyond.
4 responses
The situation is an absolute disgrace. Tony Stewart should hang his head in shame. Lee Clark his given his best in the short time he has had at Rotherham, conducted himself with openess and dignity and is treated disgracefully. If I were him, I’d walk away and tell Tony Stewart to stick his job. After the effort Lee Clark has sacrificed in an attempt to better our club, I am ashamed of saying I support Rotherham United.
Very, very unhappy ex- supporter.
Tony should apply to be a travel rep more akin to his desires .
Pathetic from Stewart. He’s left a man and his family in the lurch when Clark could be looking for another job. Such total incompetence at my football club is disgraceful.
Let’s him know now Stewart.
Sort it out, Stewart. If I was Clark I’d tell him to stuff the job. The board is totally irresponsible.