Race for a manager - The MillersMAD preview

As ex-player and current caretaker manager, Robins is a familiar face around the club. Lauded by the fans as one of the best strikers ever to have played for the Millers, Robins settled well into a coaching role, which saw the youth team enjoy sustained improvement allowing several younger players to break into the starting XI. He is though, unproven. Despite enjoying a rollicking start to management in the victory over Bradford, the subsequent embarrassment at the hands of Port Vale has cast doubts on his suitability.

Managerial highs: Thumping Bradford 4-1 on his debut as caretaker-manager ('06-'07)

Managerial lows: The recent 1-5 drubbing at the hands of an average Port Vale side ('06-'07)

MillersMAD says: Robins has clearly done a fantastic job with the youth set-up, and familiarity is on his side. By signalling his intentions and dropping under-performers in favour of blooding young talent he has undoubtedly become a fans' favourite. Does Robins' tactical naivety and lack of experience hinder his chances though? Or will the crude fact that he may be cheap swing it during these thrifty times?

After cutting his managerial teeth in non league football, Alexander enjoyed reasonable success during his third spell as Lincoln City boss, guiding them to the league two playoffs four years running. After losing to Huddersfield Town in Lincoln's most recent playoff campaign, Alexander made the switch to London Road as manager of Peterborough United. He was recently replaced at the Posh, after only 34 games in charge.

Managerial highs: Reaching the (now) League 2 playoffs with Lincoln four seasons on the bounce ('02-'03, '03-'04, '04-'05, '05-'06)

Managerial lows: Sacked by Peterborough United earlier this season after 6 straight league defeats ('06-'07)

MillersMAD says: His knowledge of the lower leagues and ability to cope with financial restrictions stand Alexander in good stead, however he is unproven at a higher level. Could he be a risky move the Millers cannot afford to make?

Having enjoyed a long playing career with over 200 appearances for Oldham Athletic, Ritchie took over from Uncle Colin to become the Latics boss in 1998 after a stint as player-manager. Under Ritchie Oldham never really set the league on fire, narrowly avoiding relegation in his first season at Boundary Park, and finishing mid-table for the following two years. Since leaving Oldham in 2001, Ritchie spent time with Leeds United as head of youth development, and was given the managers job at Barnsley in March '05, and later led Barnsley to the championship via the playoffs in May '06, attracting interest from the piggies as a replacement for Paul Sturrock. Such success did not last though, as Ritchie was sacked the Tykes earlier this season as Barnsley sunk to the bottom of the Championship.

Managerial highs: Leading Barnsley to an unexpected penalties victory over Swansea in the League 1 playoff final ('05-'06)

Managerial lows: Sacked by Barnsley as they slipped into the bottom four of the Championship ('06-'07)

MillersMAD says: Ritchie's successful youth development role at Leeds stands him in good stead to further develop our own youngsters, though should we be taking a gamble on a manager with only one promotion under his belt?

Somewhat the journeyman, Micky Adams has managed 7 teams in his managerial career. The shortest post being a mere 13 days with Swansea City, after which he left following an alleged dispute with the board regarding a non-forthcoming transfer fund. Since then Adams enjoyed promotions with Brighton & Hove Albion and more markedly Leicester City, who in spite of going into receivership bounced back and gained promotion back into the Premiership during the next season. Since leaving Leicester in '04 Adams joined Coventry the following year, before being sacked earlier this season after a series of eight games without a win.

Managerial highs: Guiding Leicester City to the Premiership at the first attempt, despite being riddled with debt and subsequently banned from the transfer market ('02-'03)

Managerial lows: Losing to Bristol City at home in the FA Cup after six straight league defeats, parting company with Coventry City the day after ('06-'07)

MillersMAD says: Adams' credentials are there for all to see, and his experience of working under financial pressures would be invaluable. Then again, though Adams may have the experience we require, do we need a manager who has chequered reputation for commitment?

After an unspectacular season with Sheffield United during the '87-'88 season, ex- player McEwan took control of the Millers and guided Rotherham to the Division 4 title the following season. After leaving for Darlington 3 years later, McEwan took the helm for 57 games with the Quakers, winning only 13. After joining the coaching staff at Derby and benefiting from five years with the Rams, McEwan left to join Conference side York City in '05 citing the need for a new challenge. Since joining City, McEwan has enjoyed moderate success finishing 8th in his first season, and currently sitting pretty in 3rd place in the Conference.

Managerial highs: Division 4 Championship with your very own Rotherham United ('88-'89)
Managerial lows: The furore over talismanic York City striker Clayton Donaldson's contract negotiations, branding Donaldson's agent "an amateur" ('06-'07)

MillersMAD says: As an ex-Miller McEwan's heart would surely be in the right place in the job, and he has achieved promotion from what is now League Two. Times have changed though, and today's League Two is worlds apart from the Division 4 of old. That said York's recent success certainly casts McEwan in a positive light, could their current form swing it for Billy?

Currently featuring as a pundit on BBC Scotland, Williamson's reputation in Scotland is nothing to sniff at. With almost 250 games under his belt as manager of Kilmarnock and a further 90 plus with Hibernian, Bobby has seen success at the highest level of Scottish football. While older Millers will remember 'hot shot bobby' for his 49 goals during the '88-'89 and '89-'90 seasons, his prowess as a manager is less esteemed south of the border. Since leaving Hibs in '04 Bobby was appointed as manager of Plymouth Argyle and later dismissed after just under 60 games with The Pilgrims.

Managerial highs: Winning the Scottish Cup with Kilmarnock ('96-'97)

Managerial lows: Losing to Livingston in the Scottish League Cup final, having previously beat Rangers and Celtic on route to the final ('03-'04)

MillersMAD says: Bobby's success in Scotland is certainly impressive and as an ex-player his commitment to the club should be first-class. Scottish football is a different beast to our own leagues; could Bobby cut it in the ruthless English game?

Loathed by some and loved by many, 'Mr Rotherham' will forever be linked with any vacant job at Rotherham. His time in charge saw success that has been seldom seen at Millmoor, and his love of the club is evident. However, much has changed at the club since Ronnie's reign, and questions have been raised regarding his ability to perform on a budget. With Tranmere currently flying high in League 1 it could be tricky (or costly) to prise him away from Rovers.

Managerial highs: Two successive promotions with the Millers, with a four year stint in the Championship ('99-'00, '00-'01, '01-'02, '02-'03, '03-'04)

Managerial lows: Rotherham's disastrous relegation from the Championship, amid speculation regarding Ronnie's (allegedly) colourful personal life ('04-'05)

MillersMAD says: The fans favourite would certainly generate much needed ticket revenue at the club, though can he work within our tricky financial constraints? Should we be weary of Ronnie's less than amicable exit from Millmoor last time?

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