Without wanting to detract from the huge part he played in getting us to the Championship, Tony Stewart in my opinion now faces his biggest challenge yet as Chairman of the Millers. A look at the lower reaches of Leagues 1 and 2 shows that clubs like Doncaster, Barnsley and Yeovil who have punched above their weight in recent years have struggled to regroup when it has gone a bit pear shaped. Doncaster might be the best parallel - nice new stadium and local saviour at the helm but when it got difficult crowds fell off and there were boardroom battles and years of progress were/are at risk of being undone. We desperately need calm heads and strong leadership now. I would personally like to be hearing a bit more from Tony than we are getting at the moment to reassure people that the first mini crisis we have had under his stewardship isn't going to start a slide, and to set out how he sees us recovering.
I completely agree Smiler and have posted similar thoughts on another message board (sorry!).
Tony Stewart seems to have retreated into the shadows at a time when it would be nice to see him leading from the front.
Regardless of what some people may think about Steve Evans, the reality is that his departure was badly handled and the statement issued by the club at the time posed as many questions as answers.
Inevitably, because of this, supporters have speculated about the "real" reason for the parting of the ways and some of it has been pretty sordid in nature. The club could clear this up but I doubt if it ever will so the rumours will continue.
In the meantime we have a manager who initially praised the quality of the squad he inherited and said he was pleased they were buying into the way he wanted them to play. Now, after a series of defeats and a number of inept displays they are Steve Evans' players and aren't good enough to do what he wants.
He is lashing out in all directions and is acting like a man under a great deal of stress who doesn't know which way to turn.
So come on Mr Stewart, you told us that Neil Redfearn was the outstanding candidate from over 60 applicants but your chosen man is clearly struggling and could do with some support. You were always quick to stand alongside Steve Evans when he went through difficult times so how about doing the same for Mr Redfearn?
Or aren't you convinced, like a lot of our supporters?
I think TS has lacked leadership in that he has not given supporters a full explanation of events and we are all in the dark as to what the immediate plans are to stand and fight to avoid relegation.
We are not even sure if the club have the heart for a fight.
TS..where are you?...I am deafened by the silence.
A little like captain Smith on Titanic "what iceberg "
TS built the stadium. Beyond that the role of the Chairman is to set the agenda, employ the right people and stump up the money. I won't comment on the second or third but as to the first I've no idea what TS wants to achieve or how he intends to achieve it. Lurching from over-optimism to complete silence is not leadership in my view.