Rotherham United Boss Lashes out At Own Player: Not For The First Time

 

Rotherham United manager Steve Evans has publicly criticised defender Cameron Humphreys for the second time this season, labelling his performance as “under-eights defending” following the Millers’ 1-0 loss to Crawley Town on Saturday.

 

The defeat marked Rotherham’s fourth loss in their last five League One matches, leaving them 18th in the table.

 

Humphreys Substituted After First-Half Error

The 26-year-old centre-half was substituted at half-time after being at fault for the decisive goal. Crawley’s William Swan capitalised on Humphreys’ poor marking to turn in a low cross from Tobias Mullarkey. Many felt Mullarkey was given far too much time and space to deliver from the right flank.

“We can’t concede goals like the one we did today,” Evans said. “Under-eights concede a goal like that. We can’t set up any better, we can’t go and close down their cross any better, we can’t make sure people are picked up in the box any better. But if someone loses the will to defend, you’re going to concede.”

 

The manager also explained that the team switched formations from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3 during the match but expressed frustration that tactical adjustments could not compensate for individual mistakes.

 

Evans’ Continued Criticism

This is not the first time Humphreys has faced Evans’ ire. The defender was also singled out last month following a 1-0 defeat to Leyton Orient. On that occasion, Humphreys missed a key headed chance and was blamed for allowing Orient to score the winner just moments later.

 

After Saturday’s game, Evans described several players as “going through the motions,” suggesting five or six individuals, including Humphreys, need to improve. He challenged his squad to rediscover their “self-pride” as they prepare for a critical period in December.

 

Manager’s Rallying Cry

Despite the setbacks, Evans remains determined to push Rotherham toward the play-offs. The team next faces Lincoln City at AESSEAL New York Stadium, and Evans is acutely aware of the importance of turning their form around.

 

“We’ll regroup, work hard, and see what Tuesday brings,” he said. “It’s now or never. We have to step up in the month of December. Fortunately for us, when my staff show me the results today, there is no team running away with things. It’s difficult to win points, but we have to find a way.”