New Rotherham United boss Steve Evans has described his return to the demoted Championship team as “amazing”.
The Millers replaced Leam Richardson with Evans on Wednesday, re-appointing the man who led them to back-to-back promotions in 2012 and 2014.
Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor, who has also been reinstated, departed Rotherham for Leeds United in September 2015, when the club was 20th in the Championship.
“This club means the world to me,” stated Evans. “It’s amazing to be back.”
The 61-year-old has stayed close with Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart since his departure, having led the club to second place in League Two at the New York Stadium in 2012/13, success in the League One play-offs the following season, and second-tier safety in 2014/15.
“I’ve said before that it’s ‘once a Miller, always a Miller,'” he thought. “It has prevented a few of approaches from other teams in this part of the world because I was unable to manage them.
“I’ve come back here several times, but I never expected to be manager again. It only manifested itself on Wednesday, when I obtained permission to talk with the chairman.
“We came in with the guys yesterday morning and strolled out into the stadium to look around.
“There are many recollections, including some amazing times. I’ve been back in town for two days, and the response from the community has been tremendous. I’m really excited to deliver them a winning football squad.”
Rotherham appointed Richardson in December, over a month after replacing Matt Taylor.
The League One promotion winner with former club Wigan Athletic was unable to turn around a disastrous campaign that included regular closures of training facilities due to flooded surfaces.
“It’s been a really depressing season for everyone associated with the club,” added Evans, who described Rotherham’s record of four wins in 43 league games as “unthinkable.”
“It’s completely fair that people have been frustrated. They will not be frustrated from now on; our objective is to win matches.
“We want our players to play with confidence and flair. As he had done previously, the chairman expedited getting me in to analyze what we had here.
“He expects us to be tough. I can give everyone notice right now: we will compete for promotion next season.”
Last season, Stevenage finished second in League Two under Evans, and they are currently ninth in League One after one win in ten games.
One of Evans’ first moves as manager of Rotherham was to shift the home and away dugouts, bringing him closer to the kop, where the majority of home supporters congregate.
The Scot has a reputation for passionate behavior and has occasionally been the.
subject of disciplinary action, was arguably best remembered during his first stay for charging down the flank in wild celebration after striker Alex Revell scored a spectacular volley during the 2014 League One play-off final. “The club hasn’t changed, in so much as it has the best stadium in Yorkshire and it’s desperate for success,” he stated.
“Did I change? I am more analytical and thoughtful. I will continue to appeal and yell for decisions around the penalty box.
“The one thing I’d tell the supporters is to give me a chance. My job is to restore Rotherham’s DNA.
“If we do that, the fans will be on the edge of their seats and celebrating last-minute winners and promotion.”
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