Rotherham United have parted ways with manager Steve Evans after a catastrophic 4-0 home defeat to Crawley Town sent fans into open revolt and the board into action.
The Millers were comprehensively beaten at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday, a result that proved to be the final straw for Evans, who had been under mounting pressure for weeks. A chorus of boos and chants of “Evans out” filled the stadium as the goals flew in, with some supporters heading for the exits long before the final whistle.
It was a result that not only worsened an already underwhelming season but also laid bare the disconnect between fans, players and management. What followed was swift – confirmation that Evans had been relieved of his duties by Sunday morning.
Support hits breaking point
The match was far from just another loss. It was symbolic of a team in freefall. Kamari Doyle, on loan from Brighton, struck twice – once in each half – as the visitors punished Rotherham’s passive defending. Gavan Holohan and Panutche Camara rubbed salt in the wounds with two more late on, sending Crawley’s bench into raptures and Millers fans into despair.
The defeat was not just about the scoreline. It was the manner of it. Lifeless, error-strewn and devoid of fight, the performance was met with fury in the stands.
“I thought we defended poorly. Our players have played with a really heavy weight on their shoulders,” said Evans after the match. “The facts are they have not played in a Rotherham United fashion for much of the season.”
Evans had insisted earlier in the week that he still had the support of chairman Tony Stewart, but by the end of Saturday afternoon he stood alone on the touchline as a stadium once full of hope turned on him.
Fans made their feelings crystal clear with scathing chants aimed at both the manager and the players. “You’re not fit to wear the shirt” was another chant that echoed loudly around the North Stand.
It is a dramatic fall from grace for Evans, who once guided the club to back-to-back promotions in his first spell. But this second tenure, riddled with poor form and an unconvincing style of play, never truly got going. The club now faces the challenge of appointing a new boss capable of rescuing a disjointed season and rebuilding the fractured trust with supporters.
Site opinion
This was not just a sacking born of results — it was about identity. Rotherham fans no longer recognised their team. The discontent had been brewing, and Saturday was simply the tipping point. Whoever comes in next will need to restore not just the results, but pride in the badge. It’s a club in urgent need of direction and belief.
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